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The city of Dublin will be hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration festivities this upcoming weekend, which include a parade, festival and marathon. (Photo courtesy of the city of Dublin) 
An Irish bagpiper performs during last year’s festival. (Photo courtesy of the city of Dublin) 
This year’s annual festival will feature carnival rides like the one show in this photo from last year’s festivities. (Photo courtesy of the city of Dublin) 
Performers take the stage during last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival. (Photo courtesy of the city of Dublin) 
Dublin Mayor Sherry Hu addresses members of the public during last year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities. (Photo courtesy of the city of Dublin) 
The annual festivities typically draws in hundreds of people throughout the Bay Area who are looking to celebrate the Irish holiday. (Photo courtesy of the city of Dublin) 
A group of people dressed in green pose for a photo during the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration festivities in Dublin. (Photo courtesy of the city of Dublin) 
Dancers take the stage during last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Dublin. (Photo courtesy of the city of Dublin)
The city of Dublin is gearing up for its annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration where residents and the greater public can take part in a carnival, gala and parade that aim to honor everything Irish all weekend long.
“St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Dublin are more than just an event. They are a cherished tradition that brings our community together in a joyful and visible way,” Dublin Mayor Sherry Hu told the Pleasanton Weekly. “From the parade to the festival, it is a chance for neighbors, families, and visitors to celebrate together and experience what makes Dublin such a special place to call home.”
According to a press release from the city, the festivities will begin on Friday (March 13) with the Dublin Historical Society’s 5th annual Shamrock Gala, which starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Shannon Community Center. The event, which is for ages 21 and older, will feature dinner, music and dancing as well as a silent auction.
Members of the Dublin City Council, as well as representatives from Bray, Ireland, will be among many who will be at the gala to kick off the two-day festivities over the weekend. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased at www.dublinhistoricalsociety.org.
The following morning, members of the public will be able to start their day with a big stack of hot, green pancakes during the annual Firefighters Pancake Breakfast, which will take place at the fire station located at 7494 Donohue Drive.Â
Pancakes, sausages, juice and coffee will all be served during the event, the proceeds of which will go toward the Alameda County Firefighters Association-Local 55 Charity Fund, which supports local nonprofit and community-based organizations. Tickets for the breakfast will be $5 and can be purchased at the door.
After breakfast, the Dublin Rotary Club will host the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday (March 14) at Dublin Boulevard and Amador Plaza Road. From that starting location, the parade will continue east on Dublin Boulevard, north on Village Parkway and west on Amador Valley Boulevard before ending near the Dublin Senior Center.
The procession will feature more than 60 entries including “festive marching bands and floats, Irish bagpipes, classic cars, dance troupes, equestrians, local dignitaries, and more”.
Parade attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to watch from along the parade route.
“The parade showcases our varied nonprofits, schools, sports leagues and businesses, and local partners — most kids in Dublin have marched in the parade, with their school, their team, or their band,” Vice Mayor Jean Josey said in a statement to the Weekly.Â
Following the parade will be the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which will take place throughout both Saturday and Sunday. The festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Dublin Civic Center, will highlight authentic Irish music and dance; feature an Irish marketplace and tea cottage; and offer Irish food and beverages. Arts-and-crafts vendors and a carnival will also be featured during the festival.
“The festival brings the entire community out to enjoy great music, food, shopping, and camaraderie,” Josey said. “Our eating and drinking establishments and other retail businesses thrive with the influx of regional diners and shoppers, offering St. Patrick’s Day specials and increased outdoor dining options for the weekend.”
According to the city’s press release, some of the entertainment during the festival will range from high-energy Celtic rock to traditional Irish pub sounds.
Admission to the festival is free and parking will be available along Sierra Court and Clark Avenue and in designated lots. A free festival shuttle will also be available to transport festival-goers from the Carl Zeiss Meditec parking lot, located at 5160 Hacienda Drive, directly to the festival entry.
“The St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in the City of Dublin has become a must-attend event, not only for Dublin residents, but for our neighbors as well,” Josey said. “Our festival draws tens of thousands of residents from all over the Bay Area. We are an incredibly diverse City, but residents of all backgrounds proudly celebrate our shamrock roots in March.”
Finally, on Sunday (March 15), the city will host the annual Shamrock 5K Fun Run and Walk, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Participants will start along Dublin Boulevard, near the Civic Center, and travel throughout the city before finishing at the festival where there will be live music, awards and other giveaways.
According to the city’s press release, the top three finishers in each division will receive a medallion and gift certificate from race sponsor Sports Basement. Those interested in participating can sign up online at runsignup.com.
“There is something for everyone at Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration,” Josey said.
