Hold onto your leprechaun hats, Santa Clara County! St. Patrick’s Day 2025 is charging towards us faster than a tech startup’s burn rate. On March 17th, we’re swapping our usual innovation for inebriation (responsibly, of course) and turning our tech hub into a little piece of Dublin. So, whether you’re a seasoned St. Paddy’s Day veteran or a green-wearing newbie, buckle up for a wild ride through the emerald-tinted festivities awaiting us!
Green Machines: Santa Clara’s 2025 Shamrock Sprint
Lace up those sneakers—or leprechaun boots—for the San Jose Shamrock Run on March 15. This 5K/10K race (plus a kids’ Leprechaun Chase) is the county’s rowdiest warm-up before the big day. At the finish line, you’ll snag a festive shirt, a shiny medal, and a free beer (for the 21+ crowd). Post-race, Irish dancers and live music at O’Flaherty’s Pub will keep the energy high. Proceeds fund scholarships for local students, so you can burn calories and feel good about it.
Leprechaun Loot: Downtown San Jose’s Treasure Hunt
Channel your inner fairy folk with Downtown San Jose’s Lucky Leprechaun Hunt. From March 14–17, follow clues to hidden “gold” at spots like Houdini’s Smoke Shop, Holy Cannoli, and The Brit Sports Pub. Score discounts, freebies, or maybe even a lucky charm. Bonus: many stops are local businesses, so you support the community while playing detective.
Pint-Sized Fun: Family-Friendly Festivities
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just for grown-ups. At the Leprechaun Chase Kids Fun Run (part of the Shamrock Run), tiny humans can sprint their way to a cotton T-shirt and medal. Prefer something quieter? Hit up Arizmendi Bakery on March 16 for Irish soda bread studded with whiskey-soaked currants—it’s a sweet, non-caffeinated way to celebrate.
Eat, Drink, and Be Irish: Local Bites & Brews
Rise Woodfire (with locations in Burlingame, San Mateo, and Santa Clara) is slinging $2 off Guinness and $10 Jameson cocktails all day on March 17. Craving sugar? SusieCakes in Willow Glen crafts custom St. Paddy’s desserts—think shamrock-shaped cupcakes or emerald-layer cakes. San Pedro Square Market bars like O’Flaherty’s and Dr. Funk will serve up corned beef sliders and green-tinged cocktails for a savory twist.
Bar Crawls & Ceilidhs: Nighttime Shenanigans
If you’re over 21, the San Jose St. Paddy’s Fest on March 16 is your golden ticket. This bar crawl spans San Pedro Square hotspots like District San Jose and Alma Tequileria, with $100+ in drink deals. Dress like a leprechaun for a shot at a $500 costume prize. Prefer a quieter vibe? The 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at Holy Family Parish on March 15 offers a hearty Irish meal without the hangover.
Go Green (Literally): Eco-Friendly Tips
- Reusable Cups: Many bars (including The Old Wagon Saloon) offer discounts if you bring your own pint glass.
- Walk or Bike: Downtown San Jose’s events are clustered—ditch the car and reduce your footprint.
- Support Local: Buying from spots like Arizmendi or SusieCakes reduces shipping emissions. Plus, their treats taste better.
Whether you’re racing, crawling, or hunting for treasure, Santa Clara County’s St. Patrick’s Day lineup proves you don’t need the luck of the Irish to have a blast. Just grab your green and go. 🍀
Sources: mygreenmattress.com, sanjoseshamrockrun.com, sjdowntown.com, eventbrite.com
Header Image Source: Artur Kornakov on Unsplash
