Saint Patrick's Day, Down by the Bay
California is a young state. For us, a parade that has been going on for one hundred and fifty six years is almost hard to believe. But, there were enough Irish people in SF in 1852 to hold a Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Most of the Irish settlers came west as 49ers (also known as gold miners) hoping to find gold in the Sierra Nevada. Since then, the Bay Area Irish community has continued to display spirit and patriotism. Join the thousands clad in green as they celebrate their legacy in the streets of San Francisco. The parade begins on Saturday, March 15th at 11:30 a.m. from 2nd Street at Market. The final stop will be the Civil Center Plaza where there will be several musical acts, a beer garden, food and celebration. The parade organizers estimate over 250,000 green attendees. It is bound to be exciting as it is the oldest and largest Saint Patrick's day parade west of the Mississippi!
If you are looking for more events to display your love for the Irish spirit, have no fear! The SF Irish Music Festival will take place from Friday the 15th of March, until Monday the 17th. The venues include the Great American Music Hall, Cafe Du Nord, Slims and the Blackthorn Tavern.
Between the SF Saint Patrick's Day Parade and the SF Irish Music Fest there will be plenty of opportunities to rub shoulders with a lucky green leprecchaun.