43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

 

It’s that time of year again. The 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is returning to Balboa Park this weekend.

 

Put on by a volunteer organization known as the Irish Congress of Southern California, the event is solely funded with event revenue, donations and grants provided by an array of businesses and individuals.

 

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Irish Business,” with organizers saying the day will be filled with excitement and “Irish entrepreneurial spirit.”

 

San Diego’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is set to take place Saturday, March 15, 2025. The festival grounds, located at Balboa Park, will open to the public at 9 a.m. The parade will then begin at 10:30 a.m. with the starting point at ​Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street.

 

The festival takes places from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

 

Activities, food and entertainment

 

This all-ages festival will have something for the whole family. There will be craft booths, where attendees can shop for all things Irish. There will also be a kid zone, where the young ones can enjoy games and rides

 

And let’s not forget the food vendors — whether it’s corned beef hash, cabbage and sausage or soda bread, the options are many when it comes to indulging in Irish fare at this local festival. For libations, there will be a beer garden onsite for those over the age of 21.

 

Live entertainment is also scheduled on two separate stages. Here’s the schedule for musical performances:

 

1 p.m. — Tony Cummins and Friends
2 p.m. — The Fooks
3 p.m.– Ass Pocket Whisky Fellas
4 p.m. — The Downs Family
5 p.m. — Blindfold Monks

 

Best of all, attendees can walk around to take in all the sights and sounds of this Irish-themed gathering.