St Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
San Diego, California
San Diego, California
Hello San Diego and Beyond! Thank You to Everyone Who Joined Us For the 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival!
Presented by the Irish Congress of Southern California
Your presence, energy, and enthusiasm made this year’s celebration truly unforgettable. From the lively parade down 5th and 6th, filled with incredible floats, dancers, and musicians to the vibrant festival in Balboa Park, it was a joy to see our community come together to celebrate Irish culture in such a meaningful way. This year’s theme, “Here, There, Irish Culture Everywhere!” came to life through each of you — whether you participated, volunteered, performed, or simply came to enjoy the day.
We are deeply grateful for your support in helping us honor traditions, create lasting memories, and inspire future generations to carry forward the spirit of Irish heritage. Events like this are only possible because of the incredible community that stands behind them.
Sláinte, and thank you for being part of something so special. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year! Please consider joining us to make this parade and festival happen next year by visiting our volunteer page. www.stpatsparade.org/volunteer.html
Best Wishes,
The Irish Congress of Southern California
Presented by the Irish Congress of Southern California
Your presence, energy, and enthusiasm made this year’s celebration truly unforgettable. From the lively parade down 5th and 6th, filled with incredible floats, dancers, and musicians to the vibrant festival in Balboa Park, it was a joy to see our community come together to celebrate Irish culture in such a meaningful way. This year’s theme, “Here, There, Irish Culture Everywhere!” came to life through each of you — whether you participated, volunteered, performed, or simply came to enjoy the day.
We are deeply grateful for your support in helping us honor traditions, create lasting memories, and inspire future generations to carry forward the spirit of Irish heritage. Events like this are only possible because of the incredible community that stands behind them.
Sláinte, and thank you for being part of something so special. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year! Please consider joining us to make this parade and festival happen next year by visiting our volunteer page. www.stpatsparade.org/volunteer.html
Best Wishes,
The Irish Congress of Southern California
2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Award Winners
Thank you again to everyone who participated in this year’s parade! We are excited to recognize the outstanding groups who helped make the 44th Annual celebration so memorable.
Award Winners:
Congratulations to all of our winners for your incredible performances and contributions!
We will be reaching out within the next two weeks to coordinate delivery of trophies for any winners who have not yet received theirs. We appreciate your patience as we take a little time to rest and enjoy time with our families following the event.
Thank you again for being part of such a fantastic parade—we look forward to celebrating with you again next year!
Thank you again to everyone who participated in this year’s parade! We are excited to recognize the outstanding groups who helped make the 44th Annual celebration so memorable.
Award Winners:
- Best Parade Entry: Black Mountain Middle School Cheerleaders
- Best Musical Entry: Grossmont High School Band
- Best Marching Band: Yorba Linda High School
- Best Animals: The Irish Wolfhounds
- Best Dance Group: Malone Academy
- Best Float: Viking Festival
- Best on Wheels: Model A Club
Congratulations to all of our winners for your incredible performances and contributions!
We will be reaching out within the next two weeks to coordinate delivery of trophies for any winners who have not yet received theirs. We appreciate your patience as we take a little time to rest and enjoy time with our families following the event.
Thank you again for being part of such a fantastic parade—we look forward to celebrating with you again next year!
Event Planning Meetings
If you’d like to join our enthusiastic group of volunteers and help with one of our planning committees, please attend our meetings at McGregor's Bar & Grill, 10475 San Diego Mission Rd., on Tuesday evenings January 6 through March 10.
Parade & Festival Information:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Media:
Want to become a member?
See the fun you can have at the parade and festival:
|
|
St. Patrick’s Day Schedule:
9:00 a.m. Festival Area Open
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9:45 a.m. Flag Presentation Ceremony, Balboa Park - Sixth Ave & Laurel
10:30 a.m. Parade Steps off at Fifth Avenue and Laurel St. and proceeds North up Fifth Avenue to Upas Street, over to Sixth Avenue and South on Sixth to Juniper.
9:00 a.m. Festival Area Open
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9:45 a.m. Flag Presentation Ceremony, Balboa Park - Sixth Ave & Laurel
10:30 a.m. Parade Steps off at Fifth Avenue and Laurel St. and proceeds North up Fifth Avenue to Upas Street, over to Sixth Avenue and South on Sixth to Juniper.
WHO WE ARE:
The Parade organization, the Irish Congress of Southern California, is a 100% Volunteer organization.
We fund the Parade and Irish Festival solely with event revenue and the donations and grants of many individuals and businesses.
For more information about the Irish Congress of Southern California, click here.
Please visit our donation page for options on how to help us fund the event and bring it back year after year.
The Parade organization, the Irish Congress of Southern California, is a 100% Volunteer organization.
We fund the Parade and Irish Festival solely with event revenue and the donations and grants of many individuals and businesses.
For more information about the Irish Congress of Southern California, click here.
Please visit our donation page for options on how to help us fund the event and bring it back year after year.
Parade Dignitaries
Exec. Grand Marshall |
Scott Dodge |
Grand Marshall |
Máirtín de Cógáin |
Irish Man of the Year |
John Hyatt |
Irish Woman of the Year |
Bernadette Malone |
SD Man of the Year |
Trevor Wessman-Lavelle |
SD Woman of the Year |
Nancy Nichols |
Irish Organization of the Year |
SDFD Emerald Society |
Irish Organization of the Year |
House of Ireland - Irish Language Program |
Smilin’ Irishman |
Alex Williams |
Miss Colleen |
Brigid Powers |
This Year's Sponsors:
