Though Ireland has observed the holiday for centuries, the St. Patrick’s Day parties we know today — complete with parades and green beverages galore — first took shape in America.

What started as a way for freshly arrived immigrants to publicly celebrate their culture has since evolved into a day of merriment for everyone. Here are some Twin Cities festivities to join this March 17. 

St. Paul’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 

In the great Twin Cities competition, St. Paul can claim slightly more Irish lineage than Minneapolis, and has the parade to prove it. Starting at noon, a wave of decked-out floats, Irish dancers and bagpipers will stroll from Rice Park to Mears Park as part of Minnesota’s largest St. Pat’s parade. The live music and dance continues at the parade’s after party at nearby CHS Field, alongside festive food and drink options.

12 - 4 p.m., Rice Park to Mears Park, $10 or free for youth under 5

Plus: The Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Association will put on their own parade at 5 p.m. in Columbia Heights, as will the City of Hopkins, which claims to host the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Irish Celebration at Landmark Center

Within the large castle-like Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul, you’ll find a full day of family friendly festivities. Traditional Irish musicians, dancers and vendors are all on the lineup at the cultural center, conveniently located right next to the starting point of the parade.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m, Landmark Center, $5

Kickin’ It Irish at Celtic Junction

The Celtic Arts Center - home to a public Irish library, Irish language classes and regular concerts - is celebrating the big day with two performances of Kickin’ It Irish. The show features 20 world-renowned dancers moving their feet to the tune of a six-piece live band, with Dublin-native Cormac O’Sé on the accordion. 

3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Celtic Junction, $30 or free for youth under 18

St Patrick’s Day at Finnegans Brew Co. 

Finnegans is pulling out all the stops for St. Patrick’s Day with a full schedule of Irish dance and live music lined up from noon to close. The brewery will offer up three food trucks to choose from, along with some Irish fare prepared with Finnegans own brew. Even before the 17th, you can seek out wee pots of gold (or gift cards) hidden around the establishment. 

10 a.m. - Midnight, Finnegans Brew Co., free

Paddy’s Day Celebration at O’Shaughnessy Distillery

Rumor has it that if you can “prove” you're somewhat Irish by attempting your best dance moves or accent for the fine people of O'Shaughnessy, you’ll get a free sample of whiskey. The first ever St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the newly-opened distillery will also feature a photo booth, live tunes by the Loreweavers from 4-7 p.m., and, of course, Irish dancers.

1 - 11 p.m., O’Shaughnessy Distillery, free

Green Cider Launch Party at Sociable Cider Werks  

For a catch to be the lucky winner of the ‘meat and shenanigans raffle’, swing by Sociable Cider Werks. Sociable is celebrating the launch of their Green Matcha cider (a collaboration with NE Tea House) all day long with live music from Machinery Hill starting at 8. May the luck of the Irish be with you as you try to win that corned beef. 

2 - 11 p.m., Sociable Cider Werks, free 

Number 12’s green Blarney cider also launches on the 17th, and local Irish bands will play at the cidery throughout the following weekend. 

St. Patrick’s Day at The Dubliner

Complete with a picture of JFK hanging on the wall and Irish dance lessons every Wednesday night, The Dubliner is a long-standing Irish institution. St Patrick’s Day there starts off with a four-hour Irish trad session, which looks like a bunch of musicians sitting in a booth and shredding. Live music continues until close with sets from Gus The Bard and Too Broke Blokes. 

10 a.m. - midnight, The Dubliner Pub, free

More festivities, or at least a fitting setting to celebrate in, can be found at other Irish pubs dotting the Twin Cities including: Shamrocks (St. Paul), Patrick McGovern’s (St. Paul), Joe & Stan’s, (St. Paul), Half Time Rec (St. Paul), Dan Kelly's (Minneapolis), O’Donovan’s (Minneapolis), The Prodigal (Minneapolis), and Kieran’s (Minneapolis).

If pubs aren’t your scene, consider getting your caffeine fix from the Twin Cities only Irish coffee shops, Claddagh, and its smaller sister shop, Wee Claddagh. 

Find daily live music shows, IRL and online on The Current’s Gig List. Erin go Bragh!

This feature is part of The Current’s 89 Days of Spring series, helping you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to events, entertainment, and recreation in the Twin Cities.