What are you doing St. Patrick’s Day weekend?

Beer, bagpipes, and a sea of green: St. Patrick’s Day festivities kick off this weekend. Whether you’re celebrating your Irish heritage or (and let’s be real) looking for an excuse to day-drink tinted beer and get a little rowdy, here are some events for you.

Parades

St. Patrick’s Day parades can be family-friendly and/or hangover-inducing, depending on which you prefer. Brookside hosts the 39th annual St. Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade on Saturday, March 16, which includes Irish dancers, lots of bagpipers, and dogs. Yes, dogs. Check out local businesses along the route: a few are hosting watch parties or popups, like cotton candy company Cottantale’s popup at Lady Bye. “Rock the Blarney” is North KC’s Snake Saturday Parade, which also welcomes family-friendly festivities. On Sunday, Westport’s St. Patty’s parade is “Shamrocks and Shenanigans,” starting at Linwood and heading down Broadway to 43rd Street. KC native Eric Stonestreet, of Modern Family, is this year’s Grand Marshal. Come early for the Park & Party at Uptown Arts Bar or watch the parade from HopCat’s patio — tickets include two drinks.

Music

You might have missed Flogging Molly at VooDoo Lounge earlier this week, but for St. Patrick’s Day music events this weekend, there are a few options. The KC Live! Block in Power & Light hosts (another) Shamrocks & Shenanigans with DJ Pauly D on Sunday, March 17. As for something more laid back, check out Llywelyn’s Pub in Overland Park. They have breakfast and lunch specials, plus local entertainment all weekend, including The Nace Brothers and The Tippers. The Irish Center of Kansas City also hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Céilí with a food truck, Irish drinks, traditional dance céilí performances and instructions, and Irish musicians.

Runs

For those of you who don’t want to drink all day (or those of you with the ambition for a pre-party run), St. Patrick’s Day runs are abundant this year. On Saturday: The Westport St. Patrick’s Day Run is a “4 mile shindy” and includes a Kids Fun Run, too. Both travel along Pennsylvania in Westport. Although not green, KC’s Big 12 Run 5K and 12K is also on Saturday, but downtown. Run 816 St. Patrick’s Day Group Run is on Sunday, starting at 7 a.m. before the parade.

Want more events?

Check out our weekly food and drink roundup for Irish-centric eats and drinks this weekend. And visit our calendar for even more events.