St Paddy’s Day at Pershing Square with Tom LaBonge Photo by Billy Bennight for the Los Angeles Beat
This year Saint Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday, a real boon for drinkers who will need Sunday to nurse their hangovers and wash the green glitter out of their hair. For those of you who would like to mark the holiday without getting obliterated, or are looking for kid-friendly activities, here are a few fun events for you.
Saint Patrick’s Day 5K in Redondo Beach 8:00 a.m. FREE
For you early risers who are going to make this day of debauchery into a healthy one, you can check out the Village Run 5K. Registration is closed, but have fun watching the Little Leprechaun Dash for the Gold (9:30 a.m.); I would expect some imaginative costuming as well. Both races start near the intersection of Catalina and Elena Avenues.
Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade 11:00 a.m. Free
Every year this little seaside town of barely more than 1 square mile hosts a parade to kick off the day. Cheer on the bagpipers from the Emerald Society, floats, horses, high school, marching bands, and cute dogs from the Irish Setters Club of Southern California. The seven-block parade starts near City Hall on Valley Drive (where there is usually lots of parking), before turning west down Pier Avenue. It ends at Hermosa Ave and 10th Street. It’s not New York or Boston, but the parade attracts 20,000 spectators. After the parade, you can enjoy the beautiful beach, great restaurants (The Standing Room, Abigail, Good Stuff, The Hook and Plow), and if you must, crazy bar action.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Original Farmers Market 12 NOON FREE
Stop by the Original Farmers Market on St. Patrick’s Day for corned beef and cabbage for $13.75 all day long at Magee’s Kitchen. Enjoy the sounds of Celtic Camerata from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the East Patio. At 1 p.m. Farmers Market favorite, Glen the Bagpiper strolls the Market until 4 p.m. Go Glenny T! starts at 5 p.m., Shelly the Balloon Artists shares her amazing creations with Market patrons and crafts for kids. Make sure to swing by the East Patio, where The Celtic Duo, Scarlet and Steve, will be performing from 5 to 7 p.m. At 7 p.m., Stuart Marks and The Paddy O’Dors Band will be playing on the West Patio.
Fancy Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner at The Larders and Tavern ($14 – $30 a la carte)
Renowned Chef Suzanne Goin will be offering her signature Corned Beef & Cabbage (from Suzanne Goin’s award-winning cookbook, “Sunday Suppers at Lucques”), Fish ‘n’ Chips and Green Velvet Cake and Guinness ice cream at Tavern, The Larders at Tavern and Burton Way. SEE THE MENU.
You’re a good rep for funky delicious and weird. Makes a person want to visit Los Angeles more often. To the locals you must be a super cool resource.