When the Charlotte Goes Green Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade take over Uptown Charlotte, festival goers in green bombard the streets for Irish-themed music (Federal Clan Kings and Thistledown Tinkers are some performers in this year’s lineup), dancing and drinking. Due to increasingly large crowds, this year’s parade is expanding the route. Bring your lucky charms, because U.S. Airways will also be there to give away a free, no-gimmicks trip to Ireland. Free. March 16, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The festival is held along Tryon Street (First Street to Third Street). The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and marches south on Tryon Street to Third Street before taking a left on Caldwell Street. For more information on the festival and parade, visit www.charlottestpatsday.com.

Anita Overcash

Price: Free admission