Virginia City celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with food, drinks, and music in full day of events including the 35th Annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry.

Virginia City celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with food, drinks and music in full day of events

Events include 35th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, St. Paddy Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, live Irish music and more

Virginia City, Nev. – In what has become one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day events on the West Coast, Virginia City will once again turn its historic streets green on Saturday, March 14. The day will kick-off with the 35th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The long-running testicle festival has become a hallmark of St. Patrick’s Day weekend in northern Nevada, drawing visitors for creative Rocky Mountain oyster dishes. The foodie favorite will be joined by the St. Paddy Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, St. Patrick’s Day parade, costume contests and live Irish music throughout the day. Tickets are now on sale and available here.

“Even after 35 years, the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and St. Patrick’s Day in Virginia City is something you truly can’t experience elsewhere in the region,” said Todd Tuttle, tourism director for Virginia City. “These events reflect the spirit of Virginia City by balancing tradition with creativity. With events running throughout the day, we invite everyone to plan ahead and spend the weekend in town, exploring the history that has led to such fun and quirky celebrations.”

At the center of the celebration is the oyster fry competition, where amateur and professional cooks serve up inventive takes on Rocky Mountain oysters in pursuit of top honors, including ‘Best Overall,’ ‘Most Creative’ and ‘People’s Choice.’ Festivalgoers can sample entries throughout the day and cast their votes for the top testicle treats. New this year is the V.I.Baller ticket option, a limited offering designed for guests seeking an elevated experience. The package includes guaranteed samples from every entrant, a commemorative medal, reserved seating, a drink wristband valid for three beverages at event bars, expedited check-in and access to a dedicated viewing area.

The day’s festivities also include the St. Patrick’s Day parade at noon, when C Street fills with floats, musicians and costumed participants celebrating Irish culture. Attendees are encouraged to wear their most festive attire, with opportunities to join the costume contest and fully embrace the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Following the parade, the popular St. Paddy Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl (21+) returns beginning at 11 a.m. The event takes participants through Virginia City’s historic saloons while enjoying themed drink samples and voting for their favorite stops. Designated drivers (21+) are also able to participate, receiving sweet treats and special cups for non-alcoholic beverages. 

For more information about St. Patrick’s Day festivities and the 35th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, head to visitvirginiacitynv.com, call the Virginia City Tourism Commission at 775-847-7500 or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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About Virginia City

Nestled on the mountainside of the Virginia Range, Virginia City, Nevada is one of the largest historic districts in the United States. Established in the mid-1800s with the discovery of silver, Virginia City became a mining “boomtown” influencing prosperity and culture. While the Great Fire of 1875 destroyed much of the original town, it was rebuilt to even greater opulence which can be experienced today and sparked preservation throughout the decades. Just 30 minutes outside of Reno, its unique, rich and colorful streets attract tourists from across the globe to experience the hearts of gold, veins of silver and lodes of fun in every historic building, saloon, museum and memorable event. For more information, visit visitvirginiacitynv.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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