Your Guide to St. Patrick's Day Events

Put on your favorite leprechaun hat and get ready to be Irish for a day. This year St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday, so there’s plenty of celebrating planned in the Tri-Valley.

We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorites taking place near you. Click on the event links for event details.

St. Patrick’s Day Outings for Families

1) Start your St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration by watching Dublin’s 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17 at 9:30 a.m. The annual event, hosted by the Dublin Lion’s Club, features more than 80 festive floats plus marching bands and equestrians. The parade starts at the corner by on Amador Plaza Road. Click here for the parade route.

2) Don’t miss the East Bay’s best and biggest St. Patrick’s Day Festival where you can honor your Irish roots (or just pretend you have them). On March 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the , you can snack on traditional Irish foods like Corned Beef and Cabbage, watch Irish dancing, hop on a carnival ride, enjoy some tea and scones in the Irish Tea Cottage, shop for authentic Irish wares and more. What better place to celebrate than in a city named Dublin (now the largest Dublin outside of Ireland). Admission is free.

3) Really, here pancakes are supposed to be green. Kids will love eating these festive treats in the company of local Alameda County firefighters at their annual pancake breakfast at Fire Station #16. Come anytime between 7 – 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 per person.

4) Dine on corned beef and cabbage and listen to Irish music at beginning at 6 p.m., March 16, at in Pleasanton. Molly’s Revenge members join Celtic band Heart of Erin and the Rosemary Turco Irish Dancers to bring you a musical evening filled with Irish music and dancing. Tickets cost $40 for adults and $25 for kids 12 and under.

5) Did you indulge in a bit too much corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day? Work some of that off the day after during the Shambrock 5K Run & Walk on March 18 at 8:30 a.m. Runners and walkers of all skill levels can race or meander along a 3.1 mile course and then enjoy their rewards: refreshments, entertainment, prize drawings and a commemorative t-shirt. The event requires advance registration.

St. Patrick’s Day Fun for Adults

1) Pleasanton starts its celebrating on St. Patrick’s Day Eve, March 16, with its St. Patrick's Day Brew Crawl beginning at 6 p.m in downtown Pleasanton. Dress in your finest Irish green getups and sample local beer and appetizers in downtown businesses. The $30 ticket includes beer and food tastings, a commemorative beer glass and tasting map. (Designated drivers pay just $10 and event programs include taxi company phone numbers.)

2) in Danville begins celebrating at noon on March 17 with its annual St. Patrick's Day party featuring with an “authentic leprechaun,” green beer, Irish drink specials, Irish step dancers, bag piping band, of course, corned beef and cabbage.

3) Not a beer fan? During its two day Founder's Day Celebration on March 17 and 18, Concannon Vineyard celebrates the Irish heritage of its founder, James Concannon, with a weekend full of live Irish music, tasting specials and wine discounts. You can also pick up a bottle of Concannon’s new Irish Whiskey at select local retailers.

4) in Danville throws a St. Patrick's Day party on March 17 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. with live music, Irish-themed munchies, traditional Irish beverages, party favors and prizes for the most creative “wearin’ o’ the green.” Kids can come, too. Admission is free.

5) Looking for some green beer and corned beef? You have lots to choose from. Nearly every bar around will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 with green beer, corned beef specials, even live music. Plenty of local restaurants offer St. Patrick’s Day dining specials, too. Browse your city’s Patch directory for a list of local bars, pubs and restaurants in your town.

Looking for more? Check out our event calendar for even more weekend fun in your town and neighboring communities.

Know of another local St. Patrick’s Day event? Please share it with your neighbors by adding it in the comments box below.