Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in San Francisco

Steeped in Irish tradition, San Francisco will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a number of events. From parades to festivals to pub crawls, here's a list of St. Patrick's Day events you won't want to miss.

159th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in San Francisco
One of the oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day Parade on the west coast, the event is produced each year by the United Irish Societies of San Francisco. This San Francisco society's mission is to promote the democratic principles of the Irish people. This year's event is set to feature more than 5,000 participants. Entrants include step dancers, festive floats, bagpipe troupes and marching bands. The parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. from the corner of Second and Market Street in route to City Hall. For more information about the San Francisco St. Patrick's Day parade, click here.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in San Francisco
The festival is in conjunction with the St. Patrick's Day parade and runs from 10 a.m until 5 p.m. on March 13, 2010 at Civic Center Plaza. Guests will learn about Irish history and culture, participate in Irish arts and crafts, and be entertained by a number of musical guests and performers. Several booths and retailers will be on hand featuring everything Irish. The St. Patrick's Day festival is a family friendly event with numerous activities for children. The festival is accessible by the vast array of public transportation options in San Francisco. For further information about this event in San Francisco, please go here.

Bog Savages performing at Maggie McGarry's
Bog Savages is an Irish reggae rock group that will be performing a St. Patrick's Day event on March 17th, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. at Maggie McGarry's pub in North Beach. The group will be performing their original songs as well as covers of songs by Floggin Molly, Saw Doctors, Waterboys and Eire Og. The group will also be performing March 13th in the city of Dublin where they will be featured at the City of Dublin St. Patrick's Day Festival. For detailed information, click here.

Irish pub crawl in San Francisco
If pub crawling is your event of choice on St. Patrick's day, San Francisco has more green beer than you'll know what to do with. Irish pubs are everywhere in the city. Here are a few you'll want to stop in and experience the St. Patrick's Day holiday atmosphere.

Abbey's Tavern located at 4100 Geary Blvd.
The Irish Bank located at 10 Mark Lane.
Durty Nelly's located at 2328 Irving Street.
Blarney Stone located at 5625 Geary Blvd.
The Boardroom located at 1609 Powell Street.

St. Patrick's Day 5K
This St. Patrick's day event kicks off at 9 a.m. on March 14th, 2010 from East Beach/Crissy Field in San Francisco. Fees are $5 for those 18 and older, $3 for children 11 to 17 years old, and ten and under are free. There is also a half mile Kids Run that is free for all children 12 and under. The 5K runs along Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Promenade. To register for this event, please go here.

San Francisco will be celebrating St. Patrick's day in full style. Join in the spirit at one of these great events.