The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. on Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street and the festival will run from 9 am – 6 pm. See dignitaries and honorees, floats, high school marching bands, police and fire department units, Irish community groups, dancing groups, equestrian units, clowns, antique cars, Irish setters, and more. Then enjoy a fun day at the festival for the whole family (see below).

The family friendly festival is free to attend. Throughout the day, an event filled Irish Festival in Balboa Park (Sixth and Maple) features live entertainment on 2 stages. Enjoy Irish step dancing before the parade on the Ashleigh Roach stage at 6th and Nutmeg and after the parade a full afternoon line-up of Irish dance, traditional music, and bands on the Ashleigh Roach and Main stages. Enjoy craft and vending booths for an assortment of items, food booths including corned beef sandwiches and tacos, Guinness brats, and a variety of other delicious options, the beer garden ($5 entry. Serving Guinness, Harp, Nitro Brew, Smithwicks, Smirnoff Seltzer, and wine), and the kids zone. 

Parade and Festival Schedule

9:00 a.m.      Festival Area Open - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9:45 a.m.      Flag Presentation Ceremony, Balboa Park - Sixth Ave & Laurel
10:30 a.m.    Parade Steps off at Fifth Avenue and Laurel St. and proceeds North up Fifth Avenue to Upas Street, over to Sixth Avenue and South on Sixthto Juniper.