Event picks for St. Patrick's Day in Philadelphia

This week, Philadelphia is going green because it's full of St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

From live Irish music to pub crawls and traditional parades, there's an event for everyone. Sláinte!

John Byrne Band, No Irish Need Apply
Friday, March 13 at World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.)

Start off your St. Patrick's Day weekend with the John Byrne Band as they perform Irish rock music at World Cafe Live. Their fine Celtic tunes will ignite your Irish spirit. Doors 7 p.m.

When Irish Fries Are Smiling
Shake Shack (King of Prussia, University City, Rittenhouse Square)

Shake Shack is bringing back their "leprechaun-approved" fries in honor of St. Patrick's Day beginning on Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 17. The fries include applewood bacon, horseradish cream, and scallions. The restaurant is also offering Mast Brothers chocolate mint frozen custard to celebrate the holiday with. Hours vary.

Philadelphia Leprechaun Run
Saturday, March 14 at Paine's Park (N 25th St.)

The annual Leprechaun Run begins at the starting line at 9 a.m. This 5-mile run, followed by a 2-mile walk will start at Paine's Park. All proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Special Olympics.

Running of the Micks 
Saturday, March 14 begins at Crabby's Café (1050 N. Hancock St.)

This wild bus pub crawl attracts thousands of thirsty drinkers. Starting at Crabby's Café, the crawl gives guests a chance to get their drink on throughout the city. Participating bars include: Crabby's, McFadden's, Kings Oak, Club Risque, Johnny Utah's, Gunner's Run, Voltage, The Bridge. The crawl starts at noon.

Xfinity Live! St. Paddy's Day Celebration
Saturday, March 14 at Xfinity Live! (1100 Pattison Ave.)

With six different sections to choose from in this entertainment complex, Xfinity Live! is a perfect choice for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Starting at 3 p.m., entry gets you drink specials, a chance to participate in a number of contests, and live music from the Dan Band, and Gypsy Wisdom.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday, March 15 at Benjamin Franklin Pkwy

Everyone's Irish at the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. This local Irish-American tradition has been going strong since 1771. Join in for this eventful day starting with mass at 9 a.m., followed by the parade at noon.

St. Patrick's Day at McGillin's Olde Ale House
McGillin's Old Ale House (1310 Drury St.)

The pub celebrates St. Patrick's Day on Sunday, March 15 and Tuesday, March 17 with Irish stouts, Irish potato martinis, dancing, and hearty food specials. The pub opens at 11 a.m. on March 15, and 10 a.m. on March 17.

St. Patrick's Day at City Tap House
(Logan Square and University City)

On Sunday, March 15 City Tap House Logan's monthly brunch celebration will take theme of St. Patrick's Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. And on Tuesday, March 17 enjoy live bag pipe music and a courtesy pint of Sly Fox's O'Reilly's stout at 3:17 p.m. Each location will serve chef Chad Vetter's braised beef brisket including Yukon gold potatoes, cabbage and rustic corn beef broth on Sunday, March 15 and Tuesday, March 17.

St. Patrick's Day Tour, Toasts, Tastes
Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Ave.)

Learn about Irish spirits and take a festive tour throughout the cemetery on St. Patrick's Day. After the tour, enjoy complimentary Irish fare. The walk starts on Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m.

Kiss Me I'm Irish and Gay
Sunday, March 15 at U Bar (1220 Locust St.)

Join the Gayborhood for St.Patrick's Day at U Bar. Tickets include one free drink, drink specials, complimentary food, giveaways, live music, and free shirts for the first 50 attendees. Everybody is a wee bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day, so wear your Kelly green to win prizes! The party starts at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 15.

WMMR Preston and Steve Rock's St. Patrick's Day
Tuesday, March 17 at Field House (1150 Filbert St.)

Kick off St. Patrick's at 6 a.m. with WMMR's Preston & Steve at the Field House, followed by a live broadcast with Pierre Robert at the Irish Pub (1123 Walnut St.). The first 125 guests to each location will receive a complimentary pint glass.

St. Patrick's Day at Plough & the Stars
Tuesday, March 17 at Plough & the Stars (123 Chestnut St.)

For the ultimate St. Patrick's celebration, Plough starts things early with an annual breakfast at 7 a.m. hosted by Jimmy Lynn, a long-standing Philadelphia-Irish judge. After the meal and a speech, folks will take a walk to the Irish Memorial (100 S. Front St.) for a ceremony. Following this, guest can enjoy live dancing and music throughout the evening.

St. Patrick's Day at Fado
Tuesday, March 17 at Fado Irish Pub Philadelphia (1500 Locust St.)

Enjoy an early breakfast of pints and pancakes at Fado. Later, you'll have the opportunity to sing your favorite Irish tunes with performances from live bands. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Irish Heritage Night at the Philadelphia Union 
Friday, March 20 at PPL Park (1 Stadium Dr.)

Cheer on the Union as they host Dallas FC in this soccer match. A special Irish Heritage package is available for purchase and includes a limited edition t-shirt. Game starts at 7 p.m.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.