Experience Murphys Irish Day in 2024

If you happen to be visiting northern California in March, be sure to celebrate Murphys Irish Day! This celebration is certainly an exciting event and is among the top things to do in Murphys CA. This event is held annually on the third Saturday of March, right around St. Patrick’s Day. This year the event falls on March 16th.

Take a look at the 2024 schedule, find out more about what Murphys Irish Day is and why it’s celebrated, and get details about the best Murphys vacation rentals available from Cedar Creek Realty.

What is Murphys Irish Day?

Murphys Irish Day is an annual celebration in the northern California town of Murphys. This gold rush town began the tradition of honoring its Celtic heritage 31 years ago and has continued to do so annually.

The day is marked with a parade, live entertainment, and street vendors selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to original artwork. There’s also plenty of food, beer, wine, and other beverages sold at booths up and down Main Street.

Main Street stores and restaurants are open during the celebration, so you can browse the unique shops and try the cuisine at one of the Murphys restaurants found along the avenue.

dogs with irish themes costumes
Photo from Shutterstock

Schedule

A pancake breakfast will kick off 2024 Murphys Irish Day from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Murphys, at the corner of Church and Algiers Streets. Tickets for this breakfast must be purchased beforehand.

A parade of classic cars, marching bands, and more sweeps down Main Street at 11 a.m. You just might spot some leprechauns and fairies who join the fun as the parade moves along.

For the rest of the day, you can experience live music, juggling acts, and dancers on stages and along Main Street.

Parking

Parking for the Irish Murphys Day events is limited and it is recommended that attendees park for free at Ironside Vineyards and use the shuttle to town, which runs from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The drop-off location at Arbors Shopping Area is just a short walk from the festivities on Main Street.

Other free parking sites include the Old Schoolhouse on Jones Street, Masonic Hall on Church and Algiers Streets, and along some side streets perpendicular to Main Street.

These areas, however, do fill up quickly, and it is highly suggested that those seeking to park at these locations arrive early in the morning, as traffic builds up and parking is filled during the hour before the 11 a.m. parade. Even the shuttle from Ironside Vineyards can run behind during this pre-parade time.

Main Street closes to traffic on Murphys Irish Day at 6 a.m. and does not reopen until 7 p.m.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to start your Northern California adventure? Browse our properties to find the perfect Murphys vacation rental for your group’s needs!

Where to Stay

At Cedar Creek Realty, we offer a variety of great Murphys rentals with spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We also have other lovely vacation rentals in surrounding areas, such as Arnold and Lakemont Pines.

Beyond the accommodations, the team at Cedar Creek Realty goes above and beyond to ensure your stay is seamless, providing personalized service and insider recommendations to enhance your Murphys experience. By booking with Cedar Creek Realty, you’re not just reserving a place to stay — you’re investing in a memorable, stress-free vacation filled with moments of relaxation, adventure, and discovery.