Raise a Whiskey-Filled Glass to St. Patrick's Day in San Diego
Plus, the San Diego Latino Film Festival and more fun things to do in San Diego this weekend.
Spring’s finally come to San Diego, and you know what that means: The water is getting warmer, the California poppies are blooming, and our picture-perfect weather is just right for long, leisurely days at beautiful beaches and balmy nights that are ideal for scenic sips at a craft brewery or vibey rooftop bar. It’s also a fantastic time for a road trip to go wine tasting, reclaim your zen, or check out our all-time greats. Don’t miss out on a single minute of the fun—just consult our handy guide to all the fun things to do in San Diego and get out there!
Food and Drink Events in San Diego
March 15, 6pm
Mission Bay, $95
Raise a toast at San Diego Mission Bay Resort’s Whiskey By The Bay pairing dinner featuring High West Whiskey. The culinary team at Covewood has prepared a coursed dinner paired with a selection of limited-released whiskeys straight from the High West distillery. Featured whiskeys include High West Campfire, High West Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Finish, High West Chardonnay Barrel Finish and High West Barbados Rum Finish. Reserve your spot online or by calling Covewood directly at 619-275-7922.
March 16, 6 pm and 9 pm
La Jolla, $80
Georges at the Cove’s monthly 40th anniversary alumni series continues this weekend with two seatings on Saturday featuring a cocktail party in the Level2 bar area with former Beverage Directors Sam Peters and Stephen Kurpinsky. The event includes three featured cocktails and tray-passed appetizers, with two sessions to choose from: 6 pm and 9 pm. While at Georges, Kurpinksy and Peters created Neighborhoods of San Diego and Floras of San Diego, bespoke programs to tell the story of San Diego through cocktails. The February anniversary event sold out and the April edition with Chef Christopher Kostow is already a sellout, so make your reservations online before it’s too late.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Sunday, March 17
Various locations, Prices vary
It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without all our favorite watering holes getting into the spirit with barrels of green beer, delicious Irish-themed cocktails, and platters of corned beef and cabbage. And, since 9am in San Diego is 4pm in Ireland, day drinking seems like a no-brainer.
Draft at Belmont Park has you covered bright and early as doors open at 5:30am to host Rock 105.3 The Show’s 11th annual Kegs N Eggs event. The live broadcast runs from 6am-10am, accompanied by a limited breakfast menu that includes beer. After the live broadcast, enjoy local brews and views at the full bar or on the open-air patio, along with plenty of food, fun and shenanigans!
The Lion’s Share hosts the first Irish Goodbye Fish & Chips pop-up of 2024 this St. Patrick’s Day, from 1 to 4 p.m. Ian Ward, Bar Manager at Michelin 3-star Addison, Irish Goodbye created the concept that has popped up to serve Irish-style bites at establishments around San Diego It will offer a menu of classic Fish & Chips prepared with local curried fish, served with vinegar chips, signature Irish Goodbye tartar and red pepper ketchup, Irish Nachos, potato skins topped with wild boar bacon, Irish cheddar, and Corned Beef Tongue & Cabbage Sliders. There’s also a complimentary cocktail menu, featuring Roe & Co Irish Whiskey, plus Guinness Irish Stout.
Head to the Duck Dive for food and drink specials like the Corned Beef & Hash breakfast, made with corned beef, crispy potatoes, cheddar cheese, salsa verde, and two over-easy eggs, or opt for traditional Corn Beef Hash plate with cabbage and potatoes, available during lunch and dinner. Wash it all down with Jameson espresso martinis, Irish Slammers, green beer, and green tea shots! Can’t make It in on Friday? Lucky you—Duck Dive will celebrate St. Patrick's Day all weekend long.
More fun things to do in San Diego
March 14–24
Mission Valley, $12–$300
The 31st Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival features 160+ films from Latin America, the United States, and Spain, all conveniently presented at the AMC Mission Valley 20 and Digital Gym Cinema. There'll also be parties on opening night (and closing night), Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, Sonido Latino concerts, and more. You can purchase tickets to individual screenings on the film schedule or opt for passes with varying levels of VIPness.
March 15–17
Liberty Station, Free, other costs vary
The Liberty Public Market has established itself as both a beloved destination for locals sharing happy hours, date nights, family outings, and culinary adventures as well as a stop on almost every vacationer’s must-do list. You’re invited to celebrate their 8th anniversary at a free, weekend-long party. There’ll be live music, Market After Dark, with vendors extending their hours, a dog adoption event, and the grand reopening of Mess Hall Bar.
March 16, 12–3 pm
Gaslamp Quarter, Free to attend
Nason’s Beer Hall will once again host the 15th Annual St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-Thon to help fight childhood cancer. A volunteer and donor-based charity, St. Baldrick’s Foundation supports research to find cures for childhood cancer and help survivors live their best life. Choose to participate by shaving your head in support or donating, knowing your contribution helps them reach their goal of $25,000 raised. The event also features live music and a special Baldrick’s cocktail, the proceeds of which will benefit the foundation.
March 16, 2–11 pm
Gaslamp Quarter, $54–$109
San Diego shamROCK, the city's biggest Saint Patrick’s Day bash, is back to celebrate its 28th year! This long-standing San Diego tradition transforms the bustling San Diego Gaslamp Quarter into a Celtic carnival for the senses with an abundance of pub-style seating, traditional Irish stepper performances, Celtic/Irish rock bands, photo-ops, shenanigan games (with prizes!) and more. Over 50,000 square feet of astroturf will be rolled out to accommodate three stages, non-stop music, and (of course) plenty of green and craft beer as well as whiskey libations to ensure it's a night to remember... or not, as the case may be. Grab your tickets online.
March 16, 7 pm
Midway District, $15–$125
Cheer on the San Diego Gulls as they host their arch-rivals, Milwaukee Admiral, in a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The team will boast specialty green and orange jerseys, and the first 7,000 fans in attendance will receive an exclusive Gulls Scally Hat in the same style. Kick things off with a pregame tailgate in the North VIP lot from 5–7 pm, then nosh your way around the concourse, which has everything from poutine to ice cream, along with plenty of craft beer and cocktails. Purchase tickets online.
March 16, 7 pm
Snapdragon Stadium, $20–$152
San Diego’s major league rugby team, San Diego Legion, go head-to-head against division arch-rivals Rugby FC Los Angeles in their home opener this Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium. Fast-paced and action-packed, rugby’s rules might seem confusing at first, but a handy primer will get you up to speed on the basics of the game in no time so that you can cheer from the first kick to the final buzzer. A selection of food vendors and beverage options are available just inside the stadium gates. Single-game tickets are available online.