There are about a million worse places to be than in San Francisco on St. Patrick's Day. The city, which takes advantage of any reason to throw a parade, loves St. Patrick's Day and in honor of that love, they throw a parade! But aside from that, our fair city is hosting events in honor of the snake driving saint all throughout the weekend. Here's just a few of them to get you started:
1. The St. Patrick's Day Block Party
There isn't much going on in the city this weekend that can beat the now legendary St. Pat's Block Party thrown by The Royal Exchange. Taking over Front Street between Sacramento and California, the party kicks off at 3pm on Friday, March 15th and runs through the night. Local band Wonderbread 5 return with live music guaranteed to put you in the drinking spirit if the long work week hasn't done so already.
Joining the fun are Harrington's and Schroeder's serving beer from their windows and pouring into plastic boots for your enjoyment. The event itself is free, but beers can cost upwards of $6 a pop, so plan accordingly. As always, cash is your friend for quick service.
2. Aventine's 5th Annual Alley Party
It's free, and it's in the heart of Jackson Square under the looming TransAmerica Pyramid. Guaranteed to attract the lawyers, designers and hedge fundies who work nearby, this alleyway party gets packed as the night continues, so get there early if you want to avoid waiting in line. FunCheapSF has a great write up and information here.
3. The Irish Bank
It only makes sense that one of the best Irish pubs in San Francisco also hosts one of the best block parties. Spanning two days, The Irish Bank will be pouring Guinness an serving up craic like they never left the Emerald Isle. The event kicks off at 9am on Saturday, March 16th, with live music from 12noon to 12am and continues on Sunday, March 17th. Live acts will include The Shams, DJ Pat and Bog Savages and this event is guranteed to be insane. Ther'es been a nominal cover the last few years, so come prepared and by all means do not forget your I.D.! For more information, go here.
4. Zoo Station @ Brick & Mortar
Last time I was in Dublin a travelling companion was duped by a Bono look-a-like. Don't let that be you! Instead, head over to Brick & Mortar on Saturday, March 16th to fulfill all of your Irish Rock needs as Zoo Station, "the complete U2 experience" takes the stage. Tickets run from $15-20, doors open at 7:30.
5. The Official St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
If you play your cards right, you could join this ragtag 3-day drunken stumble starting today, March 15th, at 5pm; and trust me, your liver won't thank you. This event, attended by over 3,000 people last year, is sure to be the best pub crawl you'll never remember. Go ahead, purchase the $25 three-day ticket which grants you drink specials at participating venues, meet the crawl at Extreme Pizza or The Brick Yard (both in the Marina) and pub crawl until you start to believe in Leprechauns. You can purchase your tickets here.
For those of you interested, information about the St. Patrick's Day Parade can be found here.
As always, if you're going to drink please don't drive. Public transportation is a great way to get around the city on St. Patrick's Day, and starting at 10pm on Sunday, March 17th, Luxor Cabs will be offering free rides home for your, and my, safety. Tell the driver your ride is on Berg Injury Lawyers, and any trip under $35 is on the house. Please remember to tip your driver accordingly.
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