Your Silicon Valley Weekend: March 13-15 - St. Patrick's Day Kickoffs, Spring Markets and More
Your Silicon Valley Weekend: March 13–15 — St. Patrick’s Day Kickoffs, Spring Markets & More
From shamrock runs in San Jose to film premieres in Mountain View, here’s your hyperlocal guide to the best events across Silicon Valley this weekend.
Silicon Valley real estate agent Brad Bell here with your weekly weekend roundup. As someone who has spent my entire career helping families buy and sell homes across San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, and beyond, I love sharing what makes our neighborhoods special. This is one of those rare weekends where you genuinely have too many good options — St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are kicking off early across San Jose, Campbell, and Los Altos, the Cinequest Film Festival is in full swing downtown, and spring farmers markets are loaded with fresh California produce. Whether you’re a longtime Silicon Valley homeowner looking for a fun Saturday outing or a new resident still exploring the area, here’s what’s happening across our neighborhoods this weekend.
Friday Night: St. Paddy’s Beer Stroll in Los Altos
The weekend starts early with the St. Paddy’s Beer Stroll in downtown Los Altos on Friday evening from 6–9 PM. Stroll through the charming downtown shops while sipping craft brews and enjoying live music. Check-in begins at 5 PM at Veterans Community Plaza. Tickets run about $72 and include a commemorative glass and walking map. If you’ve ever considered Los Altos real estate, this is the perfect excuse to experience the walkable downtown that makes this community one of Silicon Valley’s most desirable neighborhoods. (Search Los Altos listings)
Several downtown Campbell pubs are also launching their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this weekend with parties starting Saturday night at 10 PM, plus a full blowout on March 17. Campbell’s E. Campbell Avenue bar district is always lively this time of year.
St. Patrick’s Day festivities are kicking off early across Silicon Valley this weekend.
Saturday Highlights: Shamrock Run, Home Show & Cinequest
San Jose Shamrock Run — 8 AM, San Pedro Square
Lace up your green sneakers for the San Jose Shamrock Run on Saturday morning starting at 8 AM at San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or the kid-friendly Leprechaun Chase. The event features Irish music and dancing, bagpipe performances, and wraps up with the O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub Post Race Party. Registration ranges from $23–$82 and includes a souvenir shirt. This is one of the most fun community events in downtown San Jose — great energy, great people, and a great way to explore the San Pedro Square area.
Bay Area Home Show — Santa Clara Convention Center
If you’re a homeowner thinking about renovations or upgrades, the Bay Area Home Show at the Santa Clara Convention Center (5001 Great America Pkwy) runs Saturday 11 AM–8 PM and Sunday 10 AM–5 PM. As a Silicon Valley real estate professional ranked in the top 1% of realtors nationwide, I always recommend homeowners attend these shows to learn about renovation projects that deliver the best return on investment. Free passes are available at HomeShowSanJose.com, and parking is free. Interior designers, landscapers, and contractors are all exhibiting.
Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival — San Jose & Mountain View
The Cinequest 2026 Film & Creativity Festival continues this weekend with screenings at the California Theatre (345 S. First St., San Jose) and the Alamo Drafthouse in Mountain View. This year’s “Unbridled” edition features 268 films from 44 countries, including 123 world and U.S. premieres. Saturday is a highlight with Maverick Spirit Awards going to actor Steve Zahn and star Vivica A. Fox. Cinequest has been a San Jose institution for decades — it’s one of those cultural gems that makes living in Silicon Valley special.
Cinequest 2026 brings 268 films from 44 countries to San Jose and Mountain View this weekend.
Saturday Morning Pick
San Jose Shamrock Run at San Pedro Square — 5K, 10K, or Leprechaun Chase starting at 8 AM. Post-race party included.
Saturday Afternoon Pick
Cinequest Maverick Spirit Awards at the California Theatre — Steve Zahn and Vivica A. Fox receive honors after film screenings.
Family-Friendly Pick
St. Patrick’s Day Arts, Crafts & More at San Jose Public Library (Hillview Branch) on Saturday — free for kids of all ages.
Homeowner Pick
Bay Area Home Show at Santa Clara Convention Center — free passes online, free parking. Browse renovation ideas all weekend.
Sunday Fun: Earthquakes Match, Spring Markets & More
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders — 4 PM, PayPal Park
Sunday afternoon brings MLS action to San Jose as the Earthquakes host the Seattle Sounders at 4 PM at PayPal Park. This is a great family outing and a fantastic way to experience one of Silicon Valley’s best live sports venues. The tailgate scene at PayPal Park is always buzzing — arrive early and soak in the atmosphere.
Spring Farmers Markets Across the Valley
Silicon Valley’s farmers markets are in peak spring form right now. Here are three of my favorites for this weekend:
Brad’s Weekend Farmers Market Picks
Spring farmers markets across San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Campbell are loaded with fresh local produce this weekend.
Nowruz Celebration — Sunnyvale Public Library
Celebrate the Persian New Year at the Nowruz Celebration at the Sunnyvale Public Library (665 W. Olive Ave) from 2–5 PM on Sunday. This free community event reflects the incredible cultural diversity that makes Silicon Valley such a special place to call home. As a Silicon Valley real estate professional, Brad Bell loves connecting clients with communities that match their lifestyle — and events like this showcase why Sunnyvale is one of the most welcoming cities in the Bay Area.
Looking Ahead: Campo di Bocce St. Patrick’s Day Party
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 17 — the legendary Campo di Bocce St. Patrick’s Day party in Los Gatos kicks off at 11 AM. This is one of the South Bay’s most anticipated annual events, carrying on the tradition that CB Hannegan’s made famous. Past editions have drawn 1,500+ guests for a full day of incredible food, live music, games, and festive Irish cheer across Campo’s indoor and outdoor bocce courts. Call 408-395-7650 for reservations — this event sells out. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Los Gatos one of Silicon Valley’s most vibrant communities, this is it. (Explore Los Gatos real estate)
What are the best things to do in Silicon Valley this weekend March 13-15 2026?
Top events include the San Jose Shamrock Run (Saturday 8 AM), Cinequest Film Festival screenings in San Jose and Mountain View, the Bay Area Home Show at Santa Clara Convention Center, and the San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders match on Sunday at 4 PM.
Where are St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happening in Silicon Valley in 2026?
Early St. Patrick’s Day events include the St. Paddy’s Beer Stroll in downtown Los Altos (Friday), the San Jose Shamrock Run (Saturday), pub celebrations in Campbell, and the legendary Campo di Bocce party in Los Gatos on March 17.
What farmers markets are open in Silicon Valley this weekend?
Year-round markets open this weekend include the Sunnyvale Farmers Market on Murphy Avenue (Saturday 9 AM–1 PM), the Willow Glen Farmers Market on Lincoln Ave in San Jose (Saturday 9 AM–1 PM), and the Campbell Farmers Market on E. Campbell Ave (Sunday 9 AM–1 PM).
Is the Cinequest Film Festival still happening in San Jose in 2026?
Yes. Cinequest 2026 runs March 10–22 with screenings at the California Theatre in downtown San Jose and the Alamo Drafthouse in Mountain View. This year features 268 films from 44 countries.
That’s your Silicon Valley weekend, neighbors. Whether you’re cheering on the Quakes, browsing for spring strawberries at the Campbell market, or catching an indie film at Cinequest, there’s something for everyone across our communities this weekend. As a Coldwell Banker International President’s Award recipient and lifelong Silicon Valley native, I love sharing what makes these neighborhoods so special — it’s about more than just real estate. It’s about the life you build here.
Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you at the next one. — Brad Bell, Brad Bell Realty, Silicon Valley
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