2025 edition was once again a fun time. With multiple stages playing all sorts of music and bars that were free flowing, I definitely enjoyed my time. Great food options and super fast bartenders. I'll be back again for sure. read more

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This a very low key during the day and amped up at night event. I loved the FOOKS and did want more traditional music rather than cover bands. I think the VIP toilets could be increased and maintained a bit throughout the event. The VIP section could have benefited from its own acoustic music section for entertainment. All in all the people were lovely and it felt very safe. The food was like every festival except we found some potato balls at a boba station that were exceptional. The music and crowds were in high spirits and a good day for the Irish. #yelpelite Slainte'mohr, read more

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I would like to start this review by saying that I was lucky enough to get the tickets for free thanks to Hannah and Yelp. I was super lucky because we could bring a plus one, so I got to take my hubby along. I always love a day of live music. This time, there were no headlining bands that I was really excited about so I probably wouldn't have made the decision to pay for the tickets, as I just didn't know the bands playing. Anyway, we had the absolute perfect weather for an outdoor music festival.. It was sunny, but not hot. I had been to Shamrock a few times in the past, but several years ago. It used to be much bigger, taking over several blocks of the Gaslamp. This time, it took over two blocks of 5th Avenue, with a stage at each end. There was another block on a cross street where you entered, and there were a few bars and vendors. Between the stages there was an area where they were play a few funny games. We watched a few of the races. The festival really was much smaller than I expected. However, I liked that there were a variety of drinks being sold. Of course, they had the quintessential green beer, but they also had other drinks for us non-beer drinkers. We drank the green Beatbox drinks and also had some pretty good whiskey cocktails at the Tulamore Dew shed. We didn't try any of the food that was being sold. There were a few strange booths that seemed like they didn't fit at all at an Irish music festival. I liked how laid back the festival felt. Everyone working the festival was friendly, and it wasn't too crowded. I also enjoyed the in and out privileges, so we could stop by some of the nearby bars and restaurants. The best part, of course, was the live music. We spent the day mostly at the stage that had a variety of Irish, folk, and punk music. My favorites of the day were Finnegan Blue and The Fooks. I do wish they had a little bigger headlining band, but it was fun regardless. After all, for me, not much can beat a day of sunshine, music, and drinks with great company. read more

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Went towards the end of the night and got free seltzer waters. There was supposed to be 3 stages but only 2. Lines took a little white to get a drink. Tried to leave the event and told to exit one way but had to walk all the back just to exit from where we entered. The event felt unorganized. read more

shamROCK - Nightlife Near Me - San Diego, California

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While I was very excited to finally be in town to attend this event, it didn't really make sense from the descriptions online. We were told there would be 3 stages, but there were only 2, and for general admission it mentioned there would be certain beer and seltzers included, which also was not true. While I didn't enjoy the false advertising, I am happy the proceeds all went to the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation so they can continue their work on preserving Gaslamp. During the day, the event was quite just chill. Lots of cover bands and people standing around. Once the sun set, the event was a lot more fun. We do wish more bars were included in the event instead of just double douce and coin-op. Not sure if we would ever go back again, but it was worth going to at least once! They did have a few vendors giving away free items and chances to win concert tickets, trips, etc. which was cool. read more

Shamrock is an annual event held every year during St Patrick's Day in Downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp district. I had the honor to score 2 free tickets from Yelp Elite San Diego, and it happened to be on Friday, March 17, 2023. The event was from 4 to 11 p.m., and it offered many different festivities in the location. The streets were shut down and covered with green turf, and there were many decorations throughout the streets. There were many food vendors and bars serving beer and alcohol. They even had face paintings as well for the kids. There was live music playing all day with different singers and bands. Security was on top of it, making sure the streets were safe and everyone was following the rules while having fun. Overall, this is a great event to go to when celebrating St Patrick's Day while drinking green beer in the lovely Gaslamp District. The night was a great experience with memories for a lifetime. read more

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My first shamRock event! Many thanks to Yelp elite and Hannah for making it possible. I received two VIP tickets to the event. The ticket consist of the VIP dedicated check in and entrance, in and out privileges, access to leprechaun pub lounge, four beer/alcohol tickets to use at the VIP section, $1 off drinks and a choice of souvenir. We picked the stein, it was pretty cool looking. Upon arrival I saw several stages with bands playing, the VIP lounge, lots of food stands and vendors. The event took about four to five blocks of downtown. There were a good amount of people when we arrived around 6pm. We entered the leprechaun pub lounge, there was no line. They had a bar area to the left and to the right they had fancy porter potties. There were plenty of places to sit, they had tables to the back and many seating area throughout the lounge. It was a nice setting. I like the private porter potty area, the line was not long when you have to wait. There were a few Teelings sponsors passing out t shirts and pins. There were so many options to pick for our free drinks, there were wine/beer/seltzers and cocktails. The four drink tickets was very generous. We had tried the Beatbox fruit punch (11% alcohol), pot of Gold (Teelings small batch Irish whiskey, fever free ginger beer, lime & mint), Lucky charm ( Teelings small batch Irish whiskey with Carolyn's salted caramel Irish cream, ice cold brew and lucky charms, Golden road whose your Paddy blonde with dyed green color (4.8% alcohol). My favorite was the lucky charm drink, it was very unique. We decided to venture out of the lounge and explore. We decided to get face paintings! It was a fun experience. The prices were $15 plus. The artists drawing on our faces were talented and very patient. The vendor is called fun 4 kid's entertainment. After the face painting, we headed over to the shenanigans stage. They were having competitions for prizes and it was fun to watch. There was a crowd there, cheering on the contestants. It was very entertaining Toward the end of the night, I was starting to get hungry. The lines for the food was so long but my cousin had the chance to snag some food from the Meat Pie stand. He got the scotch eggs and sausage roll, both were pretty good! Overall experience: I highly recommend to experience at least once in your lifetime. I enjoyed my first St Patty day celebration. All staff was very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely return again in the future. Thanks for reading my review. read more

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Just blocked streets with access to a few bars .not much of a difference from walking down Gaslamp on the other street , my party purchased tickets and did not see the point in buying a ticket when everything beyond the gates were the same as outside the gates , the directions on the event were incorrect my Uber took me to little Italy had to get another Uber to the right location, we bought food and drinks at coin op and it was fast even tho it was busy brought our food out quickly and drinks were good . There were bands on each side of the event every one was dancing which made it fun , I wouldn't do shamrock next year but I'll walk down Gaslamp and enjoy the scenery. Thank You Yelp for inviting me and for a free entry I do greatly appreciate it read more

shamROCK - Nightlife Near Me - San Diego, California

I purchased GA mil tickets for ShamROCK 2023 at about $40 each. For that price... I was a little disappointed with the small amount of vendors they had. We arrived at 8pm and it seemed somewhat empty, which is not bad at all. I love being about to walk around without bumping into others and sitting down without fighting for a chair. I was very glad there was a non/alcoholic shop because the drinks I did purchase from the main vendors were not that good to be honest at least not the ones I tried. The bands and dances were amazing! Not obnoxiously loud. The servers were very nice. However, some of the people there were so drunk and would randomly try to start something. For example, about THREE times we had drunk strangers come at me and my husband, completely unprovoked, and cuss at us? We had a good time regardless. Overall 7/10 for me. read more

My very Irish wife and I had the opportunity to attend shamRock this year (2022). We found the experience an absolute blast. It was also a bit surreal - this was our first return to acting "normal" (well, as normal I can be, which is a challenge) - actual musicians on stage (and in the street), no masks, beer flowing....what's not to like? The Irish fiddler was absolutely stunning (although who know that Billie Eilish music is Irish?), and the Irish Dancers were amazing (although IMHO, guys should not be able to straight leg kick behind their head....ugh). That's not to take away from anything else - all the bands were great, they had Stella, so clearly a class establishment, and the people (both workers and attendees) were in a fantastic mood (again, that whole "normal" thing, methinks). And virtually EVERY attendee was wearing some form of green (some WAY more than others....as in head to toe). Absolutely recommended as an annual event. read more

shamROCK - Nightlife Near Me - San Diego, California

Are you a fan of green beer, food trucks, portable loos, live music, and leprechauny hat wear? Then this is the festival for you! I had never been before, but I figured I had nothing to lose. Based on the website description- I was sure at the very least I would have some drinks and enjoy some tunes. I got off work and headed over to the entrance that I had been sure to look for on a map ahead of time. Wasn't hard to find! I had a VIP ticket, but at that point in the early evening there wasn't any line for either ticket type so woot woot, feeling extra VIP strolling on in. I immediately secured my free and very festive headband, as well as the last from that box of commemorative steins. The luck I was having here...me and my hmm, maybe 1/8th Irish blood. Feeling it! I stepped up to redeem my ticket for some free curry fries. It was a little small, but I figured they were basically a sample and I was just happy to have a little something in my stomach to pour some cocktails on. The curry sauce was nice. I feel like I need to play with curry and potatoes more. Ketchup who? I headed to the VIP area to get a drink. Finally ran into a line. A bunch of them. Loos? Lines, but mainly for the sinks. Bar? LINES but numerous drink slingers so lines moved pretty quickly so I didn't mind them. I went with two drinks. Thought I'd just double fist and cut my line time in half. Irish Red Head and The Leprechaun were my picks. I'm not a beer drinker so it's good they has these other drinks which were sweet but not cloying. I was happy with my drinks. Despite the crowd I found a place to sit, figuring I could enjoy some music and people watching, sipping my drinks while the sun disappeared. This festival definitely has a "bring your friends!" hangout vibe. I was solo, but as my fantastic luck would have it- I had managed to sit next to a great couple and we became fast friends. Really turned this into our own little pub, drinking our way through our tickets and getting to know each other. The hours with my new friends flew by. I needed some eats but by the time I got in line for the "Irish faire" the line was CRAZY long. Life is too short to wait that long for free mystery eats. Luckily they had other options for the attendees to enjoy. Plus the bars along the route were also open so you won't be hungry. Live music from multiple bands, Irish dancing, drinks, curry on fries, a cute headband, and making great new friends? Oh I had fun! If you get out of your comfort zone and try something new- you might just have an unexpectedly great time. Bring some friends or chance it solo. Either way, fun awaits! read more

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So much fun! A great night out with friends, and I would do it again, but some areas could have been improved: *The entrance was difficult to locate and there should have been more entry points. *The band that I wanted to see, young Dubliners, we're not playing until the very end of the night, and it was just too late for me to stay after haven't gotten there at four. I was exhausted by eight. It would've been nice if they had played earlier. *The Porta potty's were a little disgusting and it would've been nice if there had been separate men's and women's toilets. *There was no Guinness and that is simply unacceptable. * I wish the VIP area had more comfortable seating, in more abundance. * Speaking of the VIP area, my drink tickets were only good for my free drinks in the VIP area, but there were multiple other drink booths that should've been able to accept coupons. I should not have had to keep going back to the VIP area every time I wanted to drink, while I was trying to watch music at the stages. * you could not watch music at the stages from the VIP area. * it would've been lovely to have some seating around the perimeter of the stages so we could sit and listen to the great music. Otherwise, it was a very festive event, and almost everybody had on great green outfits! The Irish music stage had fabulous music and plenty of room to not be so packed in with strangers. I think there could've been more food offerings than what was there, but the corned beef and curry fries that we got with our VIP tickets were pretty good. I think there could've been a better selection of beer, and I'm still upset that there was no Guinness at an Irish St. Patrick's Day event. But all in all, I would go back and do it next year. read more

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The many celebrations that have been here in San Diego there was the titles of the celebrations and what the celebrations were about the many restaurants that were decorated for the special day some that were drawing from the alcohol drinks. This is the one that is the most special time of Ireland that has great meaning to many from both sides of the Atlantic and the many states that celebrates. The evening was that of any type that when you go to any concert that you will run into many that are drunk and some that are trying to get directions to the front. When you go the Gas Lamp you will see the many restaurants the many restaurants some that were empty and many of them had large groups that were going to the Saint Patrick's Day celebration. Walking over to the front entrance there was many private securities and the many that were there checking your bag and anything that might carry in Alcohol or illegal Items. Going to the front entrance I could see the many people that were a bit stressed out and there were some that were very welcoming and wanting to help. I had checked about the prices they were charging for general admission that was 63.00 the general admission was 60.00 dollars plus tax you were requested to pay for by credit card or debit card. Getting my ticket verification that went to my phones email that was my receipt from the debit card I went Inside to the event that was not of a celebration it looked more u I had checked about the prices there was one thing that surprised me is that no money was being accepted for anything that was all being done by credit card and debit card. When I had started walking around the event was the many drinks stands that were spread out and the many different food tents that were serving shepherd's pie and Irish Stew. The drink stands that were serving only hard liquor mixed drinks that had no relations to Saint Patrick's Day there was no supervision that I had seen at the drink locations to see people standing around. The many that were seen being over served at the drink locations it was not something that I had not seen a person that was overseeing only to run the money. The bottom line of the night was that of poor food and the use of collecting credit card receipts that I found was very strange the sale of food should be done by cash. If the promoter was stating is the Issue of the pandemic and the handling of money is very unhealthy that is why things were being done by card. Tonight's event I would not recommend the Gas Lamp not to have such an event there were bars in the event that were over pouring and still serving people and party goers. read more

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ShamRock 2022 VIP was a joke. Tickets were over $100 each.The price for VIP included 5 drinks, 1 hat, a stein a special VIP area with VIP restrooms , chips & curry & your choice of shepherds pie or a plate of corn beef & cabbage. There were several issues. 1 - The entrance was hard to find. There were no signs directing you were to go. 2. There appeared to be more VIP ticket holders then regular ticket holders. So for every item that was included we were standing in line for a very long time. 3. There was only one drink stand in the VIP area & you could not use your tickets at other stands. Other food & drinks stands for regular ticket holders had no wait. 4. There were long wait times for the VIP upgraded bathrooms. The water didn't work in them & they were dirty & gross. It was basically a port-o-potty with a light. No one wants to use a port- o- potty, much less wait 30 minutes for one that is not working properly. There was never a line for the non VIP restrooms. 5. After we waited in line 25 mins for chips & curry we were told they ran out of curry. All we were given was about 5 French fries each. The time was around 7:40. Hours before the event was over. They did not offer anything in its place just SOL. 6. We also waited in line about 40 mins to get the meals that were included. I had the Shepherds Pie - it tasted like a can of mixed meat. My boyfriend had the corn beef & cabbage it was dry & flavorless. He ended up tossing it and purchased food at a different vendor. 7. The drinks were disgusting. I had a mule that had so much lime juice in it I tossed it. Seriously, it tasted like I was drinking a pure shot of lime juice. Again , this was after waiting a good 20 mins to receive it. My boyfriend had a beer & a shot - this was 2 drink tickets - that was fine. He stood in line to order the same thing from a different bartender & she said they never do that & basically called him a liar. So after that wait time he got back in line with the first bartender & she gave him his drinks without a blink of an eye. It is basically 2 drinks, so 2 drink coupons , that is fair. 8. We had to stand in a different line to get some cheesy hats & plastic steins. They could have easily handed them out at "VIP" check in . All in all 95% of our night was standing in lines for bad food, terrible drinks & cheap souvenirs. If you want to go you are better off getting regular tickets & pay for what you want & not spend all night waiting around. There was absolutely nothing VIP about this experience. Drinks were limited , (because the ran out of certain selections) you could not see the bands, the seating was uncomfortable, you had to go on a scavenger hunt to get what was included & then head back to VIP to get drinks. To top it off I woke up at 1:00 a.m. & was up all night with terrible food poisoning. . read more

It was our first year going to this and it was a blast. Some things could have been better organized but overall it was just a fun experience with friendly bartenders, entertaining music, good people and tasty food (we had gator and frog legs). The VIP area definitely made it worth it. Great places to lounge and relax. The St. PADDYS hat and the mugs were funny and made the experience fun. read more

I went to Shamrock last year ! This year I used the Shamrock 2018 Promo Code "Nocturnalsd" it worked perfectly and we all saved $10 off of our tickets ! We are super excited to check out the 3 stages this year ! and our numbers have grown from 5 people to 30 people this years ! read more

shamROCK - This was the Shamrock 2018 Discount promo Code we used "nocturnalsd" for the discount thank you so much ! - Nightlife Near Me - San Diego, California

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St. Patrick... I have never met the guy but something tells me he was a drinker. He has an entire day devoted to him when it is totally acceptable to sip whiskey for breakfast, munch corned beef for lunch and chug green beer for dinner. On this day we channel our inner Leprechaun and party our arses off. Lads and lassies, if you happen to be in San Diego on this special day, you better find yourself at shamROCK! Yep it was on a Sunday but why the heck wouldn't we party in the streets until midnight?! They thought of everything here and there was something to fit everybody's festive taste. Highlights: -Green beer served at a 150 foot bar staffed by The Field. The Field is a fantastic Irish pub btw. -The streets were all green! How'd they pull this off? They covered every single inch in green astroturf. -The prices were pretty affordable for an outdoor festival. $5.00 green beer in a cup or $5.00 16oz in a aluminum bottle. -Access to the bordering businesses. We popped in and out of Quality Social, Maloney's and Double Deuce amongst others. -Music! They had live Irish style bands and then a few stages with DJ spinning their magic. -The crowd... jolly and festive in green attire. When did St. Patty's Day turn into a day for the ladies to dress like sexy Leprechauns? I don't know and I don't mind. -The food was delicious and eclectic. Pizza, corned beef, swamp food, Mexican etc. This festival was well organized and well worth its weight in gold. Counting down the day until next year! read more

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I have been for years a 'second hand spectator' of the ShamRock festival in Gaslamp, but this year I was an active participant. Not because I decided to gratuitously spend $85 for the VIP pass, but thanks to the generosity of 2 ladies passing by when my friend and I were observing from far the lights and listening to the music. They asked us if we wanted their passes and we of course said yes (who does not love freebies?) and they informed us that only had had a couple of drinks from the lounge inside the venue, but none of the drinks offered at other bars and restaurants outside the venue.So 6 remaining drinks and places to visit, what a great plan! I am not too much into writing pros and cons, but will do it in this case so looks more clear why I wasn't that impressed with this event. PROS: -VIP free for me and my friend (yay!) -The possibility to go to different bars and restaurants that we do not normally go and check them out and get a free drink too -Cool music, great DJs -Some good dancers, inspiring to watch -Good looking people in general -Friendliness all over -Lights were nice CONS: -Not many people of our age group (mostly super young) -Some rude people who do not respect lines -That astroturf is horrible -Dirty floors everywhere even though there were enough trash cans (uncivic people) -I did not see any special treatment for being VIP -In many place the alcohol that was offered for free run out very fast so many VIPs did not get their drink and that pissed many people off (me too, especially at Graystone, where we were told they did not received enough bottles of the sponsor company. Still they let me in and my friend and I got a couple of Cokes and had a good time talking to people, but most people with VIP passes left frustrated). -Music was very similar, so became very boring after a while -Some dancers were dressed like Brazilian carnival samba dancers, which was not in tune with the Saint Patrick theme -Some dancers danced really bad! (you want to see a great show in all aspects) Overall, I had a good time but I would not pay for this event. read more

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This year The Young Dubliners are back in San Diego. Lexington Field is going to rock with new material as well... I have been attending off and on for years and the event never fails... Thank you ShamRock for a solid St Patrick's Day lineup... read more

I agree with everything Brad wrote in his review. ShamROCK was total awesomeness. St. Patty's has always been one of my favorite holidays with me being Irish, but I have never had such a fantastic time. This event was well organized. There was a TON to do. Three different stages let you experience live bands, EDM and even some fun house music. Lights everywhere, silly costumes, cheap drinks (we got VIP which included several free drinks) and they were potent too! There was no watering down of the alcohol here!! I caught a buzz after just two Jameson and ginger ales. Woooooo! To anyone who hasn't been yet I fully recommend checking it out at least once. Get VIP though, it seems pricier at $55, but you actually get way more for your money. Also, be smart and get a hotel room and cab it in. So worth it not having to find parking or worrying about driving after. It was a BLAST!!!!! See you next year!!! read more

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Awesome event if you like live music, beer, food and lots of people. It was awesome!! Lots of police officers everywhere so I didnt see any successful fights or bad things happen. Beer is a bit pricey but most events like this are I guess. We thought it was an unlimited beer place like a couple of other events but turned out to be $7 & $8 a beer not to bad. Music was great. Staff was pretty friendly read more

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Cool block party but nothing blew my socks off. The drink deals offered were mostly for Bud Light and Jameson. Very typical for a St. Patty's themed celebration. Everything is cash only which really sucks! It's 2016, why don't the booths have credit card readers? Anyway, carry a wad of cash with you unless you don't mind paying $3 to withdraw your own money! If you're not a beer or whiskey person, you'll be SOL in terms of drink deals. read more

Just a bunch of bars on every corner and people drinking and having a good time. Just a huge block party for saint Patricks day. Good food good drinks. Edm styled music playing. read more

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if you are looking for an "Irish" festival...or even "Irish-ish" to celebrate St. Patrick's Day...this is not the festival for you. Waste of money. Of the 3 stages open for general admission (there was also a 4th stage for VIP)...only 1 had performers playing "Irish" music...the others were techno/club. The beer selection was goose island IPA, shocktop, and bud light (not even the kind with green dye) in it...you'd think if you went to a St. Patrick's Day festival that there would be an attempt to sell Irish beer...or Irish foods. Your money could be better spent going to one of the many Irish bars in San Diego to celebrate St. Patrick's Day...without having to pay a cover charge (or at least not as pricey as the festival). read more

I wish I could give this zero stars. What an awful event. They ran out of EVERYTHING at the bar that was supposed to offer drink specials. A horrible event and very ill planned. I will ask for a refund read more

I don't know how shamROCK really brings out the meaning of St. Patricks Day but it sure knows how to throw a party! I came here at night and was pleasantly impressed with the setup. Getting in wasn't a hassle. Admission is not expensive too. There is a strip of food and drink stands with 2 separate dance areas a block apart from each other that basically makes up the area. Prices are a bit too much, which I would expect and not complain about if not for the fact my drinks were very weak. I did like the DJ's that were playing and a good amount of the crowd seemed to get their rock on. I guess when it comes to an event like this, you have to ask yourself if you'd rather be apart of it or be looking from the outside in. Being on both sides of that fence, I'd say I rather be a part of this festival than walking around downtown to other bars and pubs. However, I would suggest better food (more authentic Irish food would also be a plus) as well as stronger drinks. Overall, I would suggest to anyone to try out shamROCK at least once and even more if you plan on partying downtown for St. Patrick's day. read more