Smilin' Irishman

Alex Williams

Congratulations to the 2026 Smilin’ Irishman Alex Williams from the Friendly Sons of St Patrick (FSOSP). We had a lively competition this year as four incredible candidates stepped up to share a song, a toast, a joke, their knowledge of whiskeys, and help raise money for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival.

“I deeply believe in what the St. Patrick’s Day Parade provides for our city and community and am proud of the support we have been able to gather through this year’s fundraising,” Williams said.

We appreciate the unwavering support of San Diego’s Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for organizing this event and partnering with the ICSC for 40+ years. This event raised more than $25k for the 2026 parade and festival.

We also want to thank McGregor’s Bar and Grill for hosting the event and the Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas for excellent music.

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Want to be our 2027 Smilin’ Irishman?

Next year’s event date is to be determined, but if tradition holds true, look for it sometime in January 2027. Check back here for details.

If you’d like to be a contestant, now’s the time to start building your following and campaign chest. You can enter as an individual or be sponsored by a company or organization. If you’d like to represent the Irish Congress as our Parade candidate, let us know. Email [email protected].

The contest is a fundraiser for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival on March 13, 2027.

Rules to participate

• Must be over 21
• Bring plenty of folks to vote for you. Cash, Venmo, check, etc. Money wins.
• Brush up on your skills for the competition rounds listed above.
• Have fun!

The winner is selected by who raises the most funds in a Chicago-style “vote early and vote often” competition. Contestants will also compete with their best Irish jokes, singing, poetry, and whiskey tasting skills.

Not ready to be a contestant?

Join us for all the fun at McGregor’s and cheer our contestants on. Check back here for details coming soon.

McGregor’s Bar and Grill is located at 10475 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108.

Photos: Alex Williams, 2026 Smilin’ Irishman, and the 2026 contestants.

Smilin’ Irishman is Presented by: