☘️ The insider’s guide to St. Patrick’s Day | Things to do

False spring, anyone? The sun has finally come out to play, bringing Philly’s dirt bike riders and afternoon strollers to the streets. But it seems the bloom of spring will be short-lived — winter is not over just yet.

While temperatures have dipped again, it won’t stop the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade (more on that below). And if you’re seeking respite, there’s a new six-story immersive attraction featuring works from more than 100 Philly artists inside a former Manufacturers National Bank building.

When there’s much to do in the City of Brotherly Love, a false spring could never rain on your weekend plans.

— Hira Qureshi (Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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This Sunday, partake in a 250-year-old tradition: Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Organized by the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association, around 20,000 participants and thousands of spectators crowd the Center City area. With an event of this magnitude, there’s sure to be various disruptions: expect road closures, parking restrictions, detoured public transportation routes. We’ve got you covered on everything you need to know in the lead-up to parade day.

🎭 An immersive attraction: The Ministry of Awe opens March 14, offering an immersive, six-story attraction created by renowned muralist Meg Saligman. The ever-evolving space is filled with works from more than 100 Philadelphia artists, ranging from large-scale murals to sculptures, digitized objects, soundscapes, and more. Tickets are $29.99 at moaphilly.org.

🎷Jazz residency: 48 Record Bar — tucked above Old City’s legendary Sassafras Bar — in-house jazz-residency features Victor Vieria-Branco Trio. Every Tuesday night in March, 7:30 and 9 p.m.

🎤 Tour stop: Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton’s “New Edition Way” tour will be at the Liacouras Center this Sunday. Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe are all on board, too.

📅 My calendar picks this week: Romeo & Juliet at the Arden Theater, Lunar New Year Celebration at the Parkway Central Library, and Adult Ballroom Dance Class.

Self-love queen Jill Scott shared her Perfect Philly day. The Philly native lives in Nashville, Tennessee, but holds the City of Brotherly Love dear to her heart. “The people at home are so dear and warm,” Scott, who often goes by Jilly from Philly, told the Inquirer. “I was grateful to find that again.”

She recorded most of her sixth studio album To Whom This May Concern in Philly with Grammy winning producer (and her cousin) Carvin Haggins.

Scott has traveled all over the world and says there is no place like Philadelphia. Her perfect day includes a visit to Blues Babe (her nonprofit that sends children from Philadelphia and Camden to free summer camp), lunch at Continental Midtown on Chestnut Street, shopping at Rittenhouse Square, art-viewing at Philadelphia Museum of Art and African American Museum of Art, and more.

Catch Scott back in Philly for three nights at the Met this summer. To Whom This May Concern tour is coming to North Philly in July.

🍽️ Dinners for charity: On March 19, Chef Tim Dearing will host a dinner honoring chef Rye Crofter, a onetime colleague at Boston’s Menton, who died of an overdose in January 2023. The event benefits the Everywhere Project, a Philadelphia nonprofit focused on harm reduction, access to services, and support for people affected by substance use.

🎨 Colorful art exhibits: Check out the Creative Alliance Show from March 6 to 31. The art exhibition features a world of color, connection, and creativity with works from more than 40 artists on display at Cherry Street Pier. The showcase celebrates the strength of artists supporting artists.

🎭 William Shakespeare play: Romeo & Juliet runs at the Arden Theater until Apr. 5. The classic William Shakespeare play is a reimagining directed by Barrymore Award winner Amina Robinson.

🍕Pizza popup: Majdal Bakery and Habibi Supper Club will host a pizza popup on March 16 in Queen Village, from margarita to sujuk varieties.

🎶 Concert at the Foundry: Sienna Spiro, the 20-year-old British singer, is a powerhouse vocalist who has been called “the voice of a generation” by Sam Smith and hyped as the new Adele. She’ll be at the Foundry at the Fillmore.

Inquirer’s food team lists the best things they ate every week. Here’s look at some of their favorite bites.

Craig LaBan: Crispy duck confit at La Fia

“I never thought about eating duck with my granola. But adding granola to a leg of duck confit has turned out to be one of the most enduring ideas executive chef Dwain Kalup has brought to La Fia since arriving at this globally inspired bistro in downtown Wilmington, Del., almost six years ago.”

Kiki Aranita: Nova salmon bagel at Radin’s Delicatessen

“Baked that day, the pumpernickel bagel was warm and springy, with no need for toasting. The red onion and tomatoes — my accouterments of choice — were crisp and fresh. The salmon was buttery, and the generous layer of chive cream cheese had just the right amount of fluff. I could taste a little bit of everything in each bite, resulting in bagel perfection."

Beatrice Foreman: Cinnamon bun at Vibrant Coffee Roasters

“They’re roughly 4 inches in diameter and heaped with so much frosting it drips down the side, just the way I like. The result is a classic cinnamon bun that’s pillowy, not too sweet, and ultra-comforting.”

— Hira Qureshi