Celebrated March 17, the date of St. Patrick’s death, St. Patrick’s Day has become more of celebration of cliche Irish culture than Ireland’s conversion and the banishment of snakes from the island. Because of the lifting of Lenten fasting for the festival, the holiday has become associated with getting rowdy, which is all we college students really need to get excited about something. Luckily, St. Patrick’s Day is close upon us to bring lots of green, shamrocks and good Irish fun. The following are some places in the Bay Area to get your leprechaun on March 17.
1. Starry Plough’s 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Blowout
Advertised as having “no green beer or phony accents” (which is honestly a little bit of a bummer for us at the Clog), this is the perfect place to get your Irish on authentically. There will be 12 hours of Irish jigging, a $12 corned beef and cabbage special and live performances by the McBride Irish Dancers and Driving with Fergus.
Cost: $10 (maybe $15, hasn’t been stated explicitly) cover charge
2. Brennan’s
Food and drink specials all week will get you in the mood for our favorite celebration of highly stereotypical Irish culture. Also, check out their reverse Happy Hour specials from 9 p.m. – midnight!
Cost: However much you consume!
Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day jiggin’ with Michael and Shay Black — two brothers straight out of Ireland.
Cost: $25 advanced/$27 at door
4. San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
Going up and down Market Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival features everything: Irish-themed floats, leprechauns, Irish dance troupes, marching bands, glitter, cultural groups, labor unions, arts and crafts and San Francisco Police and Fire. Everyone’s going to be there and it’s free, so you should go too.
Cost: Free!
5. 30th Annual Financial District St. Patrick’s Day Blowout
Starting at 3 p.m. and with live music by Wonderbread 5 starting at 5 p.m., the Financial District is the place to be if you’re in green March 17. Rumor has it that The Royal (a bar) will be serving beer out of the to-go window for the occasion!
Cost: Free!
Image Source: National Library of Ireland
