SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and several events planned hope to spread the luck of the Irish to San Diegans.
While many of San Diego's big events are 21 and older, some events for the whole family allow everyone to jump into the holiday.
Whether you want to run, party, or enjoy the day among shades of green, here are some St. Patrick's Day events around the county sure to delight:
St. Patrick's Day Half Marathon, 5K, Green Mile
When: March 3; Where: Downtown El Cajon
Hit the ground running or walking in El Cajon to ring in St. Patrick's Day early, either in half marathon, 5K, or mile fashion. Runners and walkers work through a scenic course along the city's landmarks, and 5K runners get to tackle a Crossfit-style obstacle course. Hang around for the after race festival for a beer garden, live music, and costume contest!
Irish 4 A Day Party Hop
When: March 15-17; Where: McFadden's San Diego
Spend three nights celebrating St. Patrick's Day in downtown on a party hop between more than 20 nightclubs, restaurants, and bars, drink specials, and opening night and finale night party fun.
39th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
When: March 16; Where: Balboa Park
Head down to Balboa Park for San Diego's annual St. Patrick's Day parade and festival, with more than 30,000 expected to celebrate the holiday with a parade, three stages of live traditional entertainment, craft and Celtic food booths, a "kids zone" and more.
Luck O' Loma Block Party
When: March 16; Where: Goodbar, 1872 Rosecrans St.
Have a family-friendly, dog-friendly day out with live entertainment, Irish-themed food and drinks, a dog park, themed-games and more. The block party spans from Goodbar to Surf Side Deli, welcoming families with a portion of proceed benefiting the local dog rescue, The Animal Pad.
St. Patrick's Day 10K Run
When: March 16; Where: Mission Bay
Get moving in Mission Bay during the St. Patrick's Day 10K, featuring special holiday medals, pizza and beer at the finish line, a technical t-shirt for runners, and awards for the top three runners in each age division. Two- and four-mile variations are also available for runners and walkers.
San Diego ShamROCK
When: March 16; Where: Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego's biggest St. Patrick's Day romp returns to the Gaslamp Quarter, drawing more than 20,000 revelers to the block party celebration. Three stages of non-stop, diverse entertainment will keep the festivities going well into the night with 25 bars inside the party to visit.
Spring Fling St. Patrick's Family Festival
When: March 16-17; Where: Welk Resort, Escondido
Families can celebrate St. Patrick's Day for two days at Welk Resorts with an "infinite" obstacle course, "escape the leprechaun" wipeout challenges, a flying trapeze, and other fun activities. And of course, plenty of Irish-themed food and green beer.
St. Patrick's Day Paddle
When: March 17; Where: Mission Bay
Grab or rent a paddleboard and join the San Diego Paddlers in green for a free community for a trip out on San Diego Bay. The route will be chosen the day of the event, but all skill levels are welcomed for this trip along San Diego's scenic coastline.
