Amidst the sea of green attire and cheerful revelry, San Francisco comes alive with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival. The United Irish Societies hosts the city’s annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, a huge celebration that draws nearly 100,000 locals and visitors each year. From traditional Irish pubs to family-friendly events, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the festivities. Read on to learn more about the St. Patrick’s Day events in San Francisco and how to enjoy the parade and celebrations safely.
When is the San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
- This year, the 173rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Francisco is on Saturday, March 16th.
- The parade begins at 11:30 AM.
- After the parade, there will be plenty of food options and live music starting at about 2:00 PM.
- There will also be a UniteSF Multi-cultural Celebration at Civic Center Plaza from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
What is the Parade Route?
The parade route begins at 11:30 AM at 2nd and Market Street. The parade will proceed along Market Street and turn onto McAllister Street before concluding in front of City Hall at Civic Center Plaza.
Street Closures
Due to the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in San Francisco, several streets along the parade route will experience temporary closures to vehicular traffic.
Street closures for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade include:
- Market Street to Civic Center Plaza
- Grove Street from Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place to Larkin Street
Motorists should plan alternate routes and allow for extra travel time to accommodate these closures. Additionally, pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing streets and follow instructions from law enforcement officers directing traffic.
More Saint Patrick’s Day Events in San Francisco
San Francisco is such an amazing place that offers a true melting pot of global cultures. Saint Patrick’s Day weekend in San Francisco offers an array of activities and events. Join in on shamrock-themed activities, pub crawls, or green-themed parties happening around the city.
St. Patrick’s 3-Day Pub Crawl
The St. Patrick’s 3-Day Pub Crawl is a huge event in the Bay Area that will take place on March 15th, 16th, and 17th. From historic Irish pubs to trendy craft bars, each stop along the crawl offers a unique atmosphere and a chance to raise a glass in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
With free party bus rides, special drink deals, and live music performances, the pub crawl is a highlight of the holiday weekend in San Francisco.
The Irish Bank
On March 16th and 17th, the Irish Bank will host their annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Block party. On both days, the doors open at 11:00 AM and the festivities start at 1:30 PM.
The Irish Bank is a popular destination for St. Patrick’s Day festivities in San Francisco. Located in the heart of the Financial District, this traditional Irish pub offers a cozy atmosphere and hearty meals.
During St. Patrick’s Day weekend, The Irish Bank will host live music performances, including traditional Irish music and Celtic rock. Whether you’re stopping in for a pint or joining friends for a traditional Irish meal, The Irish Bank provides an authentic taste of Ireland right in the heart of San Francisco.
St. Paddy’s Day Party at Schroeder’s
On Friday, March 15th, Schroeder’s will host their St. Patrick’s Day Block Party from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Schroeder’s, a historic German beer hall located in San Francisco’s Financial District, is known for its lively atmosphere and festive celebrations. Each year, Schroeder’s hosts a St. Patrick’s Day party that attracts locals and visitors alike.
Guests can enjoy live music, traditional Irish food, and an extensive selection of beverages, including seasonal favorites and imported brews. The party at Schroeder’s is a must-attend event for anyone looking to experience the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in San Francisco.
Belmont’s St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Hunt (Youth Ages 9-14)
On March 17th, the Belmont Park and Recreation Department will host the annual St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Hunt. Participants will assist Lucky the Leprechaun in finding his missing pot of gold, engaging in the scavenger hunt to uncover clues and solve puzzles. Prizes will be awarded to those who find the most shamrocks or Lucky the Leprechaun’s pot of gold.
The Shamrock Hunt is a fun and festive way for families to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day together while enjoying the outdoors.
Saint Patrick’s Day Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, there is an increase in drunk-driving accidents during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period (6:00 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 272 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes during this holiday period, between 2017 and 2021.
According to the latest LendingTree study, fatal crashes involving alcohol surged by 16.1% during the Saint Patrick’s Day holiday period. This study analyzed data over 15 years and found that fatal crashes spiked from March 16 through 18. More key findings regarding fatal crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period:
- Drunk drivers ages 21 to 24 involved in fatal auto accidents increased by 15% during the Saint Patrick’s Day holiday period.
- Fatal hit-and-run accidents rose by 12.5%.
- Fatal accidents involving large trucks spiked by 9.9%.
- Fatal rollover accidents increased by 7.6% There was an average of 324 per day during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday versus 301 fatal rollover crashes per day in March.
- Fatal crashes involving motorcycle rides increased by 14.1%.
Safety Tips for Saint Patrick’s Day Weekend
Saint Patrick’s Day weekend is a time for celebration, but it’s essential to prioritize safety amidst the festivities.
Here are St. Patrick’s Day safety tips to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead – Make arrangements for transportation, lodging, and designated drivers in advance of the holiday weekend.
- Stay hydrated – With all the festivities, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you plan on consuming alcohol.
- Buddy system – Stick together with friends or family members, especially in crowded or unfamiliar environments.
- Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking – Never drink and drive. Utilize rideshare services, taxis, public transportation, or designated drivers.
- Report drunk drivers – If you see a drunk driver, call 911 immediately and report it.
We Advocate for Personal Injury Victims
While St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, accidents can still occur. If you or a loved one have been injured due to another person’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult with experienced personal injury attorneys.
At Golden State Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping personal injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
