Parade, Pens, Alabama Concert Top Pittsburgh Weekend Events

PITTSBURGH, PA - By far one of the biggest events of the year. Pittsburgh has the second largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the nation. This year more than 23,000 participants are expected.

They'll be viewed by several hundred thousands of people lining the streets along the parade route. When the parade ends, head to Market Square for the family-friendly Irish Fair in the Square.

Looking for more details on the parade, such as when streets will be closed? Click on the link.

Other weekend highlights:

• Mumford and Sons, March 14, 7:30 p.m., PPG Paints Arena.

The British folk band is touring in support of its latest album "Delta." Mumford and Sons emerged in 2009 with a debut album, "Sigh No More," which went multi-platinum, thanks to hit singles like "Little Lion Man." The band followed that up with "Babel" and "Wilder Mind," the former of which contained the monster hit "I Will Wait."

• Alabama, March 15, 7:30 p.m., PPG Paints Arena.

Winning more than 200 industry awards, the Country Music Hall of Fame band is the most celebrated group in country music history. After first going out on the road when Richard Nixon was president, the supergroup is in the middle of its 50th anniversary tour and are playing hits such as "Dixieland Delight," "Angels Among Us" and "Mountain Music."

• Penguins vs. St. Louis Blues, March 16, 1 p.m., PPG Paints Arena; Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers, March 17, 7:30 p.m., PPG Paints Arena.

It’s a hockey weekend in Pittsburgh as your Pens are nearing the end of the regular season and still don’t have a playoff berth locked up. They can make progress toward that goal (pun intended) by sweeping the pair of games they are playing this weekend. Tip: If you’re going to the Saturday afternoon game, leave early and prepare to hunt for a parking space. There’s another event going on in town Saturday morning (see above).

• Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival, March 15, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; March 16, 10 a.m to 6 p.m.; March 17, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, Green Tree.

The DoubleTree is the place to be this weekend if you’re into knitting, crocheting, quilting, fiber exhibitions, maker spaces, scavenger hunts and more. Don’t worry about going hungry as there will be a variety of soups, sandwiches, sides, wraps, and grab and go items will be available for purchase. Parking is free in the hotel lot.

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