St Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival

My review only speaks to the parade, which I found surprisingly fun and festive. I live within walking distance to Balboa Park and maybe with the luck of the Irish, I was able to find a great spot near 5^th and Thorn to watch after heading out about 15 mins before the start. The parade actually starts at a decent hour (10:30 am) and most people were congregated at the beginning of the route on 5^th/​Laurel and the entrance to the festival on 6^th/​El Prado. It was really fun to see the various law enforcement and fire agencies represented, as well as the celtic dancing and other cultural/​heritage groups. Even saw some Steampunkers riding those old-​timey bicycles with the big wheel. The parade was very family friendly, though I did catch one of the Sons of St. Patrick taking a swig from his flask. Good times. Might have to also indulge in the festival next year, as there were a lot of people heading toward there right after the parade.
Erin Go Bragh. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day.

A great place to learn about the Irish Culture.
Good people good food!
What’s great is that it’s a free event with options to choose from. There are vendors selling all sorts of things and tons of food and drink options.
For children, there is a fun zone packed with cool miniature rides.
All of this on the beautiful Balboa Park.
What’s great is parking is free around most of the town.
This is my second year attending and plan to come each and every year.
I always make sure to wear something green lol!
My favorite go to spot for food is the Fry King.
The beer garden is cool too! $ 7 a beer or three for $ 20 with tickets.
For others that don’t drink, there’s also soda and water for $ 1!
The parade is always fun. Make sure to bring your sunblock and camera.

If you are of Irish /​celtic stock or are just plain into a good old party with plenty of beer, men wearing plaid skirts aka Irish Kilts, gals with green hair & shamrock tattoos, the sound of mystic bagpipes, our top notch & proud SD firemen decked out in their dress blues lots of emerald green everywhere and some real good live music bands, you missed a great warm and sunny day of fun in Balboa Park.
Worthy of special mention — the nice parade: happy faces everywhere in sight, the USMC band, the Irish Bagpipe ensemble aka San Diego Firefighter’s Emerald Society (pipes & drums), young girls Irish step-​dancing away on their pretty float… we especially liked one of the bands: «Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas» — they were absolutely spot-​on, great entertainment, as were the lads from «The Fooks».
Sláinte!

St Patrick’s Day Parade is big in San Diego. It is on 5^th and 6^th streets near Balboa Park.
In 2011, the parade was along 5^th and 6^th streets right next to Balboa Park. In Balboa Park, then, are the food booths, stuff for sale booths, and most important, the beer garden.
Here is what to do:
Go immediately to the beer garden for a Guiness and a spot to watch the parage with the crowd. The corned beef and cabbage booth is located close by.
I was along 5^th street for a while watching the parade, but I was with a hand ful of people only. If you like that, this spot is good for you.
Halfway through the parade, I went over to the beer garden. ID’s are checked at the entrance.
Photo’s here
Fun !