Escapes: St. Patrick’s Day Parade by the Bay
The 165th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will fill downtown San Francisco on Saturday, March 12, with shamrocks, leprechauns and other mainstays of the original Green Day.
The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. at Market and Second streets and concludes at Civic Center Plaza.
A festival will follow the parade at the plaza with a celebration of Irish history and culture as well as food and beverages, live music, dance and cultural exhibits.
A bit more corned beef in your cabbage: It’s all free.
For more information, visit uissf.org.
Tapped Brew Fest
What: Tapped Brew Fest, a traveling craft beer celebration, will make its way to Fresno on Saturday, March 12, for a day of craft brews and live entertainment. The festival will feature more than 30 breweries, giant beer pong and cold brew coffee (especially for the designated driver).
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 12
Where: Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 South Chance Ave.
Cost: $55 general admission
Information: tappedbrewfest.com/fresno
St. Piran’s Day
What: Celebrate St. Piran’s Day, a holiday honoring the 5th-century Cornish abbot, at the former site of Grass Valley’s Wisconsin Hotel established during Gold Rush times. The event will include a flag-raising ceremony and traditional Cornish games.
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 12
Where: Southeast corner of Main and Auburn streets
Cost: Free
Information: downtowngrassvalley.com/grass-valleys-st-pirans-day-celebration/
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Calif.
What: Dublin will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with two days of Irish music and dance, international delicacies, carnival rides and shopping. The festivities also will include Celtic artwork exhibits and a Shamrock 5K Fun Run & Walk.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 13
Where: Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: dublinca.gov/873
Festival of Whales
What: The 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales will continue Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13, with whale watching, a clam chowder cook-off, guided sailing adventures, stand-up paddling classes, concerts and other family-friendly events.
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 13
Where: Events are located throughout Dana Point Harbor.
Cost: Free
Information: festivalofwhales.com
Croatia Travel Talk
What: Croatia Travel Experts, based in Folsom, will host an informational talk about traveling to the Balkan country. With Croatia’s popularity as a travel destination on the rise, Croatia Travel Experts owner Scott Jercich will share his thoughts and experiences traveling throughout the country’s mainland and islands.
When: 7 p.m. Monday, March 7
Where: Call for location
Cost: Free
Reservations: (916) 983-8651, ext. 101
This story was originally published March 5, 2016 at 6:01 AM with the headline "Escapes: St. Patrick’s Day Parade by the Bay."