Pour a pint of Guinness and stick a shamrock in your cap: Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s where to celebrate, from green beer-fueled concerts to tamer family affairs:
St. Patrick’s Day Fest 2012
Downtown Chandler pub Irish Republic Public House hosts this outdoor festival with cabbage bowling, a bean bag toss, beer pong and a dunk-the-leprechaun tank. Entertainment includes Irish dancers and bagpipers, rock acts Kung Fu Grip and the Insomniacs, and a deejay. Kids 12 and younger get in free with a paying adult until 5 p.m.; after that, the party is open only to guests 21 and older.
DETAILS >> Noon Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler. $8-$10 general admission, $40 VIP (includes VIP area, catered food, private restrooms); $5 for designated drivers. (480) 812-1588 or www.irishrepublicaz.com.
St. Pat’s Street Fair
A handful of food trucks park at this event with a farmer’s market, craft activities for kids, a St. Patty’s-themed photo booth, and food and beer specials inside the store.
DETAILS >> 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Whole Foods Market, 2955 W. Ray Road, Chandler. Free admission. (480) 821-9447 or www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/chandler/store-calendar/.
St. Patrick’s Day Bash
Flogging Molly and Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers headline this outdoor music festival.
DETAILS >> Noon to midnight Saturday. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway. $35-$40. (480) 829-1300 or www.luckymanonline.com.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire
Irish step dancers, bagpipers, floats and marching bands appear in the parade; the fair (at Margaret T. Hance Park) features two stages of Irish musicians, a kids’ activity zone, and tours of Phoenix’s Irish Cultural Center — the heart of the Valley’s Celtic community.
DETAILS >> 10 a.m. Saturday. Parade starts at Third and Sheridan streets and ends at the park, 1134 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Parade is free; fair admission is $8-$10 for adults, free for children 12 and younger. (602) 258-0109 or www.azirish.org.
ShamRocked 2012
Bagpipers kick off this outdoor concert with traditional Irish songs. Valley bands Nineball, 49 Til Midnight and MetalHead take the stage next, then national band Filter. There’s also a leprechaun beauty pageant and a drawing for a trip to Dublin.
DETAILS >> Noon Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway. $10-$15. www.shamrocked2012.com.
Scottsdale’s Ultimate Block Party
Punk rock band Authority Zero plays outdoors on Craftsman Court, while deejays entertain inside Dos Gringos, Rock Bar Inc. and Upper Deck Sports Grill. Ticket holders get access to all four areas.
DETAILS >> 3 p.m. Saturday. Craftsman Court, one block west of Scottsdale Road between Third and Fifth avenues, Scottsdale. $15. wwww.scottsdalesultimateblockparty.com.
Kiss Me I’m Irish Run
Racers wearing green run or walk a 4K, 8K or 17K for a candy kiss and a beer at the finish line. Kids can turn in shamrocks found along the 4K route for prizes at a post-race Leprechaun Village with bouncies and entertainment. Leashed pets are welcome.
DETAILS >> 7:17 a.m. Saturday. Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue. $25-$45. (480) 609-3978 or www.irishrunaz.com.
