Green beer, corned beef and Irish tunes could only mean one thing: San Diego is gearing up to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Here's a look at a handful of local events centered around the cheery Irish holiday: from activities with the kids to an adults-only night out on the town.
St. Patrick’s Day at the Library
3 p.m., Several Library Branches
Grab the kids and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at a local library. The Chula Vista Library plans to host a St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Logan Heights Branch Library will host a mini St. Paddy’s celebration from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with crafts, green treats, a movie and giveaways for the little ones.
St. Patrick’s Day 5K Color Run
4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Welk Resort San Diego
Sport your green gear to this St. Patrick’s Day 5K Friday at Welk Resort San Diego. After the run, there will be live music, a craft beer garden and freebies galore. If you find a "hidden leprechaun," you could get lucky and win a Fitbit, too. Registration is $25; family and friends are encouraged to come out to cheer on their runners.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
San Diego ShamROCK in the Gaslamp
6 p.m. to Midnight, Gaslamp Quarter
Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter will be a sea of green Friday night as the 23rd annual ShamROCK block party rolls in. Each year, about 20,000 people flock to the large St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which includes three stages, non-stop live music and lots of green beer. More than 50,000 square feet of Astroturf is rolled out for the occasion, too, adding some serious green to the festive scene. General admission is $45.
St. Patrick’s Day at Local Breweries
Times & Locations vary
Many of San Diego’s craft breweries will host St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17. Here’s a look at a handful toasting to St. Paddy’s: North Park Beer Co. will offer an Irish Reds and stouts, while Mastiff Kitchen serves traditional Irish fare. Council Brewing Company will offer a special rainbow flight at its tasting room, including eight IPAs and a cask of special stout to be tapped at 4 p.m. New English Brewing will offer $4 pints on its Pacific Storm Stout, which will be infused with cacao nibs and fresh mint leave for the occasion. The green beer will flow at Quantum Brewing, too. Those who wear a shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day to the brewery can get their first pint for $3. Finally, The Beer Company will host its St. Patrick’s Day Beer Fest, complete with drink specials, DJs and dancing.
Local
Irish 4 A Day: St. Patrick’s Day Party Hop
4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Gaslamp Quarter
Hop around the hottest St. Patrick’s Day parties in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter via the “Irish 4 A Day” event. The pass to this gets you into more than 20 nightclubs on the holiday, with a welcome drink at several locations including Analog Bar, Coyote Ugly, McFadden’s San Diego and Gaslamp Tavern, to name a few. Green clothes, including kilts, are encouraged.
Of course, before you get your Irish on, plan ahead on safe ways to get home after the party. Designate a driver or call a ride-hailing service so that you don't drink and drive. Have fun!
