Shamrock the Block is a St. Patrick’s Day street party-style festival that takes place on March 17th in Vancouver’s historic Gastown district.

In 2025 the free event runs from noon until 8:00 pm in the 200 block of Carrall Street.

Gastown St. Paddy’s Day Street Party

The Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) hosts their Shamrock the Block celebration on St. Patrick’s Day in 2025. The event features live music and traditional Irish dancing. There are also a couple of beer gardens for adults and some family-friendly activities for children. Pubs in the neighbourhood offer Irish drink specials throughout the day as well.

When and Where

In 2025 the annual Shamrock the Block event takes place on Monday, March 17th. It begins at 12:00 pm and continues until around 8:00 pm.

The event is held in the 200 block of Carrall Street in Vancouver’s Gastown area. We recommend using public transit as the festival’s location is only a 10-minute walk away from Waterfront SkyTrain Station.

Carrall Street on St. Patrick's Day — Carrall Street on St. Patrick’s Day

2025 Entertainment Schedule

There is live entertainment to enjoy throughout the party. The schedule of performances for 2025 is below.

12:00 pm – Katie Stewart
1:00 pm – O’Brien School of Irish Dance
2:00 pm – Colm Donnelly
3:00 pm – O’Brien School of Irish Dance
4:00 pm – Katie Stewart
5:00 pm – O’Brien School of Irish Dance
6:00 pm – Liam Mulholland

About Gastown

Gastown is a historic district in the City of Vancouver. It’s a popular place for tourists due to the heritage buildings, cobblestone streets and abundance of restaurants and touristy gift shops in the area. Gastown is also home to the city’s famous steam clock which was originally built in 1977.

A fun way to learn about and explore the area is to go on a walking tour with Forbidden Vancouver. The company offers their Lost Souls of Gastown Tour throughout the year. Led by an actor, participants hear all about murders, fires and scandals from different times.

Vancouver Mysteries also hosts their Crime in Downtown adventure game in Gastown. Players try to solve a murder mystery by finding clues and completing puzzles. The same company has two indoor games at the Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites. The hotel is located on the edge of Gastown and the games are The Case of the Hotel Detective and The Legend of the Gastown Gold.

Also just outside Gastown you’ll find the Vancouver Lookout at the Harbour Centre. FlyOver at Canada Place is nearby too with multi-dimensional films to enjoy.