St. Patrick's Day is a time for festivities. And despite being a holiday that celebrates Saint Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland, the Irish and non-Irish alike participate (especially in the beer drinkin'). Around the Q.C., lots of St. Paddy's Day events are in store. Below are some recommendations. Check out our Web site (www.charlotte.creativeloafing.com) for an up-to-date guide of more events.
• ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE AND CHARLOTTE GOES GREEN: ST. PATRICK'S DAY FESTIVAL. The free (yeah, I said free) event will feature live Irish music, Irish dancers, children's play areas and more. But, bring some cash in case you want to splurge on any Irish merchandise, food or beverages. Sat., March 14. The festival will be located on Tryon Street, between 1st Street and 3rd Street. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Tryon Street and 9th Street. It marches south to Tryon and 3rd streets. For more information, visit www.charlottestpatsday.com.
• GREEN PARTY AT PAVILION AT EPICENTRE. This party will feature drink specials and special performances by Ceol na Gael Irish Pipe Band, Walsh Kelley Dancers, The Belfast Boys, and headlining act Black 47. Sat., March 14. 4 p.m. Pavilion at Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.pavilionatepicentre.com.
• THE BELFAST BOYS AT COMET GRILL. Belfast natives Alyn Mearns, Jimmy Brown (former members of Airspace) and Adrian Rice comprise the three-piece act known as The Belfast Boys. Hear them play classic Irish tunes at this headlining performance. Sat., March 14. 9:30 p.m. Comet Grill, 2224 Park Rd. 704-371-4300. www.myspace.com/thecometgrill.
• RICK AND BENNETT'S 9TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY PUB CRAWL. Get your drink from pub to pub during RockHouse Events large pub crawl. Enjoy drink specials and a commemorative T-shirt and koozie. Check-in is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Dixie's Tavern. Sat., March 14. $20-$30. Dixie's Tavern, 301 E. 7th St. For more information, visit www.rockhouseevents.com.
• BREWTOPIA: A FESTIVAL OF BEER. Grapevine Wine Shop/Wine Bar presents this event, which will feature more than 60 beers, food and live music from Powerhouse. Sat., March 14. $20-$25. 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Grapevine Wine Shop/Wine Bar, 1012 Market St. Fort Mill, S.C. (Located in Baxter Village, near Charlotte) 803-802-9989. www.grapevinewinebar.com.
