Media Contact
John Hyatt - [email protected]
John Hyatt - [email protected]
Join the Irish Congress of Southern California as we host the 44th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival in Balboa Park!
"HERE, THERE, IRISH CULTURE EVERYWHERE"
Saturday, March 14, 2026 (rain or shine)
9am - 6pm
Parade Start Time: 10:30am - Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street
"HERE, THERE, IRISH CULTURE EVERYWHERE"
Saturday, March 14, 2026 (rain or shine)
9am - 6pm
Parade Start Time: 10:30am - Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street
44th Annual San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival
Saturday, March 14
SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival will be held on
Saturday, March 14, 2026, with activities and festivities from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sixth and Laurel in
Balboa Park — rain or shine!
This year’s parade theme, “Here, There, Irish Culture Everywhere” celebrates the global presence and timeless joy of Irish culture — from the green hills of Ireland to the sunny streets of San Diego and beyond. Whether you’re Irish by blood or simply Irish at heart, you’re invited to experience the music, dance, and stories that connect us all.
“I chose this theme with future generations in mind — especially my son and all young people who will carry our traditions forward,” said 2026 parade and festival chair Ali Haefner. “By showing that Irish culture is thriving here, there, and everywhere, we remind the next generation that they are part of something enduring and beautiful — and that they have a role in keeping it alive. Let’s come together to honor our roots, make memories, and share the joy of Irish culture — here, there, and everywhere!”
Volunteers are welcome to join the planning meetings every Tuesday through March 10 at McGregor’s Bar and Grill, 10475 San Diego Mission Rd., from 7–8 p.m.
The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Fifth and Laurel and will feature nearly 100 entries, including
marching bands, military units, firefighters, law enforcement, Irish community groups and businesses, volunteer organizations, and more.
The festival will run along Sixth Avenue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will host a variety of vendors, food, and informational booths. It’s the perfect place to shop, meet friends, and show your green!
Festival entry for adults 21 and over is $10. Attendees under 21 and active-duty military with ID are admitted free. Tickets will be available soon.
Full entertainment lineups of Irish music and dance will be presented on two festival stages beginning after the parade.
The Irish Congress of Southern California (ICSC) was formed in 1981 to organize the parade and
festival and to promote appreciation and knowledge of Irish culture and heritage. Over its more than 40-year history, it has honored and celebrated partnerships with first responders, veterans and military, law enforcement, Indigenous Americans, and many organizations that make up the wonderfully diverse San Diego community.
The ICSC, presenting sponsor Guinness, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and our supporters bid you “céad míle fáilte” – a hundred thousand welcomes.
Media & Contact Information
Saturday, March 14
SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival will be held on
Saturday, March 14, 2026, with activities and festivities from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sixth and Laurel in
Balboa Park — rain or shine!
This year’s parade theme, “Here, There, Irish Culture Everywhere” celebrates the global presence and timeless joy of Irish culture — from the green hills of Ireland to the sunny streets of San Diego and beyond. Whether you’re Irish by blood or simply Irish at heart, you’re invited to experience the music, dance, and stories that connect us all.
“I chose this theme with future generations in mind — especially my son and all young people who will carry our traditions forward,” said 2026 parade and festival chair Ali Haefner. “By showing that Irish culture is thriving here, there, and everywhere, we remind the next generation that they are part of something enduring and beautiful — and that they have a role in keeping it alive. Let’s come together to honor our roots, make memories, and share the joy of Irish culture — here, there, and everywhere!”
Volunteers are welcome to join the planning meetings every Tuesday through March 10 at McGregor’s Bar and Grill, 10475 San Diego Mission Rd., from 7–8 p.m.
The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Fifth and Laurel and will feature nearly 100 entries, including
marching bands, military units, firefighters, law enforcement, Irish community groups and businesses, volunteer organizations, and more.
The festival will run along Sixth Avenue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will host a variety of vendors, food, and informational booths. It’s the perfect place to shop, meet friends, and show your green!
Festival entry for adults 21 and over is $10. Attendees under 21 and active-duty military with ID are admitted free. Tickets will be available soon.
Full entertainment lineups of Irish music and dance will be presented on two festival stages beginning after the parade.
The Irish Congress of Southern California (ICSC) was formed in 1981 to organize the parade and
festival and to promote appreciation and knowledge of Irish culture and heritage. Over its more than 40-year history, it has honored and celebrated partnerships with first responders, veterans and military, law enforcement, Indigenous Americans, and many organizations that make up the wonderfully diverse San Diego community.
The ICSC, presenting sponsor Guinness, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and our supporters bid you “céad míle fáilte” – a hundred thousand welcomes.
Media & Contact Information
- For interviews or news spots, contact John Hyatt.
- Media attending the event may park in the designated area on Juniper Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
- For more information about the parade, visit www.stpatsparade.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @stpatsparadesd.
- Additional photos are available upon request or on our website.
ICSC
Irish Congress of Southern California, Inc.
Failte
Welcome
Thank you for visiting our website.
The Irish Congress of Southern California is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organized for the purpose of promoting Irish History and Culture. We accomplish that task through our presentation of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. We also host an annual Miss Colleen contest and participate in many local events organized by other Irish heritage organizations.
We are fortunate to reside in the unique community of San Diego with its own cultural and history to celebrate. We offer our event for the entire community to attend, participate and enjoy a day once a year when everyone in San Diego is a little bit Irish.
Our organization is currently seeking volunteers, sponsors and others willing to help keep this San Diego tradition as part of our community.
If you have an interest, please feel free to contact us at: [email protected].
Follow us on Facebook @StPatsParadeSD and on Instagram @StPatsParadeSD
Irish Congress of Southern California, Inc.
Failte
Welcome
Thank you for visiting our website.
The Irish Congress of Southern California is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organized for the purpose of promoting Irish History and Culture. We accomplish that task through our presentation of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. We also host an annual Miss Colleen contest and participate in many local events organized by other Irish heritage organizations.
We are fortunate to reside in the unique community of San Diego with its own cultural and history to celebrate. We offer our event for the entire community to attend, participate and enjoy a day once a year when everyone in San Diego is a little bit Irish.
Our organization is currently seeking volunteers, sponsors and others willing to help keep this San Diego tradition as part of our community.
If you have an interest, please feel free to contact us at: [email protected].
Follow us on Facebook @StPatsParadeSD and on Instagram @StPatsParadeSD