On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated and seas of people are seen dressed in green clothing while wearing shamrock necklaces. Numerous activities relating to this holiday take place around UCLA campus and in the greater Los Angeles area. Here are some fun ways to enjoy the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day.
Sit on the grass at Sunset Canyon Recreation Center and by the Tongva Steps
When the weather becomes warmer and the sun comes out, you can find students soaking up the sunshine and spending time outside. With St. Patrick’s Day falling on the Monday of finals week this year, we can expect students to be in the midst of their studying sessions during this holiday. An easy way to enjoy the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day is by laying out a blanket on the grass, weather permitting, and sitting with some friends (who are, of course, dressed in green) while eating some holiday-themed food. You can even do this with your study group!
Visit local restaurants serving St. Patrick’s Day-themed food
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, local restaurants will begin releasing their specials for the holiday. Many restaurants will sell green-colored or Irish-inspired food. Check out places like Dunkin’ for a green donut or McDonald’s for a mint-flavored Shamrock Shake. Chick-fil-A often promotes sales by offering specials on St. Patrick’s Day as well. Be sure to check in with these businesses along with other local restaurants for their St. Patrick’s Day menus and specials!
This event is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good run. With numerous options for the length of race you can run including a 5K, 10K, 13.1K and a one-mile Family Fun Run, there is something for everybody, even if you are not an experienced runner. You can also take part virtually.
All participants receive a swag bag complete with a St. Patrick’s Day shirt, as well as a medal for finishing your race and an online running community. In addition, racers will also be provided with charms and snacks that are themed for the holiday. This event is a great way to get your workout in while celebrating!
The 2025 Irish Film Festival Los Angeles
In Santa Monica from March 14–16, eight Irish films will be featured at the Irish Film Festival Los Angeles. In addition to these main films, there are also 24 short films from Irish filmmakers that are set to be featured. The festival highlights a wide variety of genres, from documentaries to Irish-language films.
The festival, a celebration of Irish film, takes place just days before St. Patrick’s Day, over the weekend. There are numerous options for purchasing tickets, as you can buy either a one-day pass, a three-day festival pass or a pass for the viewing of a single film.
Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
On Saturday, March 15, Hermosa Beach is hosting its 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This community event is hosted by the city of Hermosa Beach and stretches through a few blocks of the area. With numerous stages for live music and dance performances, there is plenty to enjoy. Although attending this event would require some advance planning for travel from UCLA, the festive activities are sure to make your time at the event worthwhile.
Regardless of your plans for St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to wear green to avoid getting pinched. Good luck studying and enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day festivities!
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Illustration via Adobe Stock
