Get Out: Paddy's Day Parade and a lot of Art

You can break out your green on Saturday (you don't want to be pinched) or enjoy an all-day music fest in Point Loma.

We’ve got the best bets to entertain and enthrall you from March 10-13, whether you want to stay close to Santee or take a drive to find even more to do. This week, we feature a local college's strong slate of arts events, a fundraiser and opening day for a nearly .

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CLOSE TO HOME

Where/when: Grossmont College, El Cajon, Thursday through Saturday.

Why Go: We're not telling you to go to class. Leave that to the students. Go for the inexpensive events, including the opening of a  and a  to fund awards for students. 

Price: The auction, free. The play, $10-12. 

Where/when: MOXIE Theatre, San Diego, Friday-Sunday.

Why Go: Benefit groups that aid domestic-abuse victims by attending a production of “The Vagina Monologues,” by the Bella Luna Educational Foundation of Santee. Friday and Saturday, curtain is at 8 p.m.; Sunday, it's at 2 p.m.

Price: $25. 

A LITTLE FARTHER AFIELD

Where/when: UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas, San Diego, 4 p.m. Thursday.

Why Go: The 18th annual San Diego Latino Film Festival opens with a dozen screenings and a launch party at the downtown W Hotel. The festival, which continues through March 20, features more than 180 films; many of them include Q & A's with the filmmakers or stars.

Price: $10 per screening; passes start at $35.

Where/when: Balboa Park, San Diego, 10:30 a.m. Saturday

Why Go: Start celebrating the day when everyone claims to be Irish a little early. San Diego's 31st St. Patrick's Day parade starts at Juniper Street, just west of Balboa Park; an all-day festival in the park follows.

Price: Free.

Where/when: Liberty Station, San Diego, Saturday and Sunday.

Why Go: More than 50 acts are scheduled for IndieFest 7, a celebration of independent music, film and art. The music and the “Mental Eclectic” film festival take place Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.; the film fest concludes Sunday. 

Price: $25, but some stages are free.