Best Ways To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day In San Francisco
By Melanie Graysmith
St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, 2018, which means if you don't work weekends there's more time to party and celebrate the holiday. With so many St. Patrick's Day celebration options it's up to you where to wear the green, share the fun with family and friends, and enjoy it all into the night.
St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Civic Center Plaza
Fulton Street at Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA
(800) 310-6563
www.sresproductions.com
Date: March 17, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
San Francisco's yearly celebration of Irish culture and heritage never disappoints, and this year's 167th Annual San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade, the absolute largest of its kind on the West Coast, promises to be a blast. The parade begins at 11:30 am at Market and Second Street with the vibrant floats, marching bands, and Irish dance groups that everyone comes for. Once the parade arrives at Civic Center Plaza the festivities begin, an all day party with live entertainment, arts and crafts, food and beverage vendors, kids' rides and inflatable bouncers, and a focus on Irish culture, plus the services of the local community that keep the city rolling: the San Francisco Police and Fire Departments, and much more. Check on parade day activities and entertainment schedules here.
The Irish Bank
10 Mark Lane
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 788-7185
www.theirishbank.com
Date: March 17, 2018 from 12 p.m to 12 a.m.
It's back! The Irish Bank's annual St. Patrick's Day block party returns with a daylong bash for partygoers to celebrate in notable Irish Bank style. On Saturday March 17 stop by after the St. Patrick's Day parade for a festive block party with music and all the trimmings from noon to midnight. Celebrate to live music beginning at noon with a roster of Irish and rock bands playing until 8 pm, and then DJ Marc continues the action until midnight. The not-to-be-missed musical line up: The Watch, The Shams, and The Quiet Men, with DJ Marc. Thinking about food? Pub grub, Irish fare, beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase, cover charge at the door.
Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
Silver Cloud Restaurant
1994 Lombard St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
https://www.eventbrite.com
Dates: March 16 and 17, 2018
Tonight's the time to meet new friends, wear the green, and head over to the Marina district for this mega-popular St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl. Enjoy time to party with friends old and new while hitting the half-dozen or more drink venues around the Marina and Union Street for the top drink specials you're here for. This is a two-day event, with options to purchase a day ticket or get the 2-day pass for an even better deal. Check in at Registration Locations between these times: Friday, 3/16, 5 pm – 10 pm, and Saturday, 3/17, 2 pm – 10 pm. After registering you will get a map indicating the bar locations and times they are participating in the drink specials, and then you're on your own to enjoy the night at your own pace. Visit the website for full details, including drink special prices and more. Note: Must be 21 years old for this event.
Related: Best St Patrick's Day Bars In San Francisco
The Buena Vista Cafe
2765 Hyde St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 474-5044
www.thebuenavista.com
Date: March 17, 2018
The Buena Vista Café, San Francisco's singular City by the Bay historic destination bar, is located at famed Fisherman's Wharf and boasts a coveted, picture perfect view -- best when the City's precious fog stays away -- that includes the Wharf and Golden Gate Bridge. A highlight of note is the delicious and sweetly intoxicating Irish Coffee that was created at the Buena Vista in 1952 and remains one of the best drinks around. The Buena Vista is a lively, convivial gathering place for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, with its shared tables that make it a great way to meet others, and boasts an atmosphere that feels a bit like a party year 'round. The Buena Vista's special St. Patrick's Day menu this year will feature Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Stew, Irish Soda Bread, and of course, world famous Buena Vista Irish Coffee. And that's not all. The Buena Vista gift shop, located adjacent to the restaurant, will feature its St. Patrick's Day unisex t-shirts, made by San Francisco's own Golden Goods brand. The restaurant will also give away St. Patrick's Day lapel pins, while supplies last. Sounds like the perfect spot for a great time, doesn't it?
Saint Patrick's Day on the Bay Cruise
Schooner Freda B – Slip 907
100 Bay St.
San Francisco, CA 9496
(415) 331-0444
www.eventbrite.com
Date: March 17, 2018, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Here's a fun option and something different for St. Patrick's Day, away from the bar culture that parties all day. This lovely, three-hour afternoon cruise on the Bay offers views of San Francisco's famed skyline as you celebrate in style on the Schooner Freda B, a beautifully maintained tall ship offering a sailing experience apart from the usual Bay cruise ferries. This schooner yacht is renowned for its elegance and graceful design, with a form that has inspired artists and poets for literally centuries. The Schooner Freda B is also known for its signature Bailey's and Coffee, made with top ingredients, including organic coffee, and is available onboard at the on-deck cash bar ($12), along with quality beer and wine, and other non-alcoholic drinks ($4-$12). Note: No outside beverages or credit cards accepted, cash only. Advisory: Dress warmly and comfortably, and the company warns, no high heels, please. Visit the event website for full details. Read all about the Schooner Freda B at its website, here.
Related: Best Family Friendly St. Patrick's Day Events In The Bay Area
