St. Patrick's Day Parade

Join us for St. Patrick's Day Parade. We will meet in front of the Museum of Us (formerly Museum of Man) at 9:45AM and then walk across the Laurel St. Bridge to the Parade. There will be photo-opportunities galore. A 24-70 or 70-200 focal length lens is suggested.

The Parade starts at 10:30 am at Fifth & Laurel and travels north on Firth Avenue. At Upas Street, the Parade turns right and then travels south on 6th Avenue to Laurel and then continues over the Laurel Street Bridge into Balboa Park.

If we walk to Olive, Nutmeg or Maple Streets we will be able to photograph the parade twice, once going north on 5th Ave. and then returning south on 6th Ave.

Feel free to bring a guest. Once we walk from the gathering point in front of the Museum of Us, over the Laurel Street Bridge and to the Parade, it will be difficult to stay together as group and will end up venturing out on our own or as partners.

The Festival is in Balboa Park along 6th Ave between Laurel and Nutmegs Streets. This year, there is a $10 admission fee for the Festival. The Parade and attendees will provide plenty of photo opportunities. However, the Festival is an add-on option of anyone wishing to attend.

Below a description of the event from the organizers of the parade:

"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.

Parking: Street parking west of the Parade may be challenging due to demand, meters and time limits. With regards to parking in Balboa Park, costs differs depending upon which lot and whether you have pre-registered your vehicle if you are a City of San Diego resident.

Key Parking Details for City of San Diego Residents:

• Verification Needed: Residents must register vehicles in advance via the City of San Diego Permit Portal to receive resident rates.
• Free Parking Lots (starting March 2, 2026): Seven designated, non-premium lots—including Pepper Grove, Federal, Lower and Upper Inspiration Points, Marston Point, Palisades, and Be Evston—will be free for verified pre-registered residents.
• Reduced Rate Lots: In more central, "Level 1" lots, pre-verified residents pay a reduced rate of for up to 4 hours or for a full day.
• Laurel Street Bridge: You won't be able to drive into the Park and parking lots via the Bridge. All access to parking lots will be from the east side of Balboa Park on Park Blvd.

Alternately, if you are a Zoo Member and have pre-registered your vehicle in your Membership Profile, parking is free in the Zoo lot.

Please Note: By submitting a YES RSVP and participating in any PPS event, you agree that PPS, Organizers, and Event Hosts are NOT responsible for your safety or for any injury or damage to your person or your property, or that of your guest(s).You agree that you have read the instructions of the announcement and that you and your guest(s) are assuming all risks of participating in the event.