St. Patrick's Day Celebrations For OC Families
Anyone who claims St. Patrick's Day is not a proper holiday has never celebrated it in Orange County. From family races, to specialty dining, to costume parties, there is something for everyone this St. Patty's Day in OC. Here's a list of the best, including corned-beef hash, a costume bash and a family fun dash.
St. Patrick's Day 5K Dash
Concordia University
1530 Concordia
Irvine, CA 92612
Date: March 17
www.racewire.com
Many holidays are all about eating and over consumption. St. Patrick's Day is no exception, though your family can get off to a good start, for a good cause, traversing a scenic three-mile loop around Irvine's Concordia University. Participants are invited to wear green and spread a bit of the luck o' the Irish as proceeds go to benefit the Concordia University track program. The professionally organized event is chip timed and awards will be presented for all age groups, including three children's divisions.
Costa Mesa St. Patrick's Day Festival
Orange County Market Place
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(949) 723-6616
Date: March 17
www.ocmarketplace.com
Green Lemonade, green ice cream and, of course, green beer is available by the cask full during the 7th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival at the Orange County Market Place. Irish dancing, face painting, traditional Celtic music, magic, crafts, comedy and food and drink fill the fairgrounds. At a site of one of Southern California's largest swap meets, a clan of eco-friendly merchants and educators will be on hand, presented by Earth Resource Foundation.
Downtown Disney District
Disneyland
1313 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA, 92802
(714) 781-4636
Date: March 17
disneyparks.disney.go.com
The happiest place on earth gets a little green during St. Patrick's Day. Downtown Disney District restaurants and vendors will complement their normal wares and fare with traditional Irish items and delicacies. And everything, of course, is delivered with the unmatched care and flair that permeates that to which Disney puts its hands. The special celebration continues all day, and highlights include limited-edition merchandise, brand new Irish Mickey Mouse ears and a scavenger hunt for the little leprechauns.
Related: Best Holiday Volunteer Opportunities For The Family In Orange County
Hermosa Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade
South Bay
710 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 376-0951
Date: March 16
www.hbchamber.net
Begun as a gathering of locals celebrating Irish-American heritage, the Hermosa Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks of its 19th year on Saturday, March 16, in an event that now draws tens of thousands of revelers. Parade participation is open to individuals and groups of all size, age and background. Mix, mingle and walk with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, local officials, area marching bands, friends, neighbors and visitors, or simply cheer with the crowd as the procession goes by. Enjoy typically excellent weather and surroundings, and South Bay's incredible dining, shopping and sightseeing before, during and after the event. Admission and participation are free.
Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra
Memorial Hall, Chapman University
1 University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 997-6812
Date: March 17
www.chapman.edu
There is plenty of worldly experience to be gleaned from an Irish pub, but for a truly character-building cultural affair, take kids to the symphony this St. Patrick's Day. Orange County's official youth orchestra, the OCYSO, kicks off its 43rd season with this delightful, wholesome family event in the glorious, smoke-free Chapman Auditorium. Celebrate The Fantastic Symphony with the nearly 90 talented youth musicians. General admission tickets are $10 and $5 for seniors, students and alumni.
Christopher Schmidt is a freelance writer experiencing and espousing the glory that is Orange County. Driven to travel, drawn to sports, spirits and celebrity, Chris' work can be found on
Examiner.com.
