St. Patrick's Day - 2013

The Parade has marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, police and fire vehicles, government dignitaries, floats, and the Arizona Irish Colleen with her Court. After the parade, the festival begins. Central Phoenix.

The focus will be on food, music, and fun at the St. Patrick's Day festival in Fountain Hills. Yes, the famous fountain will turn green!

There will be Irish fun, music, dancing, art, food and even a pet parade at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, March 17, 2013 from noon to 5 p.m. Free admission, charge for some activities and for food and beverage.

Flogging Molly appears in Arizona for the St. Patrick's Day concert at Tempe Beach Park from 1:30 p.m. until midnight. Flogging Molly blends traditional Celtic sounds with hard-edged punk. Also scheduled to appear: Pepper, Anti-Flag, The Donots, The Wiley One, Jared And The Mill. Ticket prices $35 (advance), $40 (day of show) plus applicable fees for general admission tickets.

Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Westgate City Center in Glendale, Arizona. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a 17K or 8K run. The 4K "Four Leaf Clover Run/Walk" is for kids and leashed pets. All events start at 7:17 a.m. Chocolate Kisses for all at the Finish line, plus Irish Music and Green T-shirts for all pre-registrants. The first 1,700 to register for the 17K and/or 8K will receive green technical running shirts. Cold beer for all finishers over age 21. Awards will be given out in the following categories: best St. Patty's-themed running outfit, top Dads & Lads team, and cutest pet. Online registration closes March 5th. The Prostate On Site Project will be at the event from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. offering free prostate cancer screenings to the first 50 men to sign up.

On March 16 and 17, 2013 Musical Instrument Museum in North Phoenix presents traditional music, crafts, Irish dancing, and exhibit talks. Many activities are free with museum admission. You can also enjoy a Celtic-inspired menu and signature cocktail at the MIM Café.

In addition to the typical offerings at the monthly Market on High Street, there will be St. Patrick's day fun. Take pictures with a real leprechaun, make a wish in the green fountain or look for the pot of gold at the end of the huge balloon rainbow arching over High Street. There will also be Irish dancers, fiddlers and entertainers performing throughout the day. Gardening experts will be sharing "green thumb" advice about gardening. 5415 High Street (Off Loop 101 at 56th St. and Deer Valley Dr.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission, donation for Baehr Challenge for Parkinson’s Research requested for some kids' activities.

Here are some of the Irish pubs and bars around the Phoenix area that are hosting special events and/or entertainment for your St. Patrick's Day revelry.

These organizations in the Phoenix area have all the information about everything Irish that goes on all year long.

Irish beers, Irish food, Irish music - the craic is mighty in Phoenix on St. Patrick's Day weekend!

Having a party at home? Maybe you'd like to try one of these!

• Leprechaun Kiss
• Luck of the Irish