Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Central Coast

St. Patrick’s Day is the one day when folks get excited to go out and drink with friends from sunrise to sunset. Regardless of your drink preference, St. Patrick’s Day turns everyone into a green beer fanatic. There’s something about the green dye that makes the beer taste better and more enjoyable. The company you keep on St. Patty’s Day also enhances the experience. This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday, which for some folks falls during their work week. However, there is so much to do on the Central Coast before and after work, so you don’t have to worry about missing out. 

Blast 805 Brewery in Orcutt always hosts an all-day St. Patrick’s Day event featuring green-dyed beer, drink specials, and live music. Their event is free for folks over 21. They typically open their doors at 6 a.m. and party until 7 p.m., so you can start your day drinking with them, then make your way north to Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo. 

Harry’s Night Club in Pismo Beach has live music throughout the day, starting at 2 p.m. You can enjoy a chill afternoon before going to your next destination or end the night at Harry’s since they end their festivities around midnight. It’s also the perfect place to go after work if you don’t plan to drink all day, but you want to join the festivities. On the other hand, if you’re not feeling Pismo Beach and want something that will make you feel like you’re in Ireland, head over to McCarthy’s in SLO. The bar is decked out in Irish paraphernalia, giving it an authentic feel. It’s one of the most popular Irish bars in SLO, so definitely get there early to avoid any long lines. They have fun games, such as cornhole, pool, and table shuffleboard, to play with friends. 

If you spend too much time up north, drive down south to Santa Barbara to enjoy their St. Patty’s Day activities. Downtown Santa Barbara has multiple bars to visit along State St., so you don’t have to worry about driving anywhere, and you can fully enjoy the bar crawl. 

If you don’t want to drive down on a Tuesday after work, SB hosts a block party bar crawl the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day for folks who have weekends off. It’s known as Santa Barbara’s best St. Patrick’s Day event. You can enjoy the DJ, food, discounted drinks, and receive green party beads to complete your outfit. You do need a ticket to join the festivities. Ticket prices for SB's pub crawl range from $18 to $40, depending on group rates, general admission, and day of purchase. It’s ideal to get your tickets in advance instead of waiting for the weekend to come by and pay $40 to enter. Check-in is at Shaker Mill at 1 p.m. Dress up in your best green outfit and head out for a chaotic and fun-filled weekend. Don’t let St. Patrick’s Day pass you by this year. Celebrate the day your own way.