St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Thursday this year, giving students a chance to start spring break early. The plethora of celebrations offers something for everyone. All events are scheduled for Thursday, March 17, unless otherwise indicated.

St. Thomas’ shamrock hunt and T-shirt giveaway

The shamrock hunt began at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, on campus. Students can look for foam shamrocks hidden around campus. The shamrocks can be redeemed for a free T-shirt during convocation hour Thursday in the upper quad.

St. Thomas’ St. Patrick’s Day open house

The annual event will take place in the O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library’s special collections reading room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes readings and a display of new and rare Irish books that are part of the university’s Celtic collection. This is the university’s largest special collection and includes 9,200 volumes of work on Irish and Celtic history, politics and culture.

St. Paul’s St. Patrick’s Day parade

The 45th annual parade, which starts at the intersection of Fourth and Sibley streets and ends at Rice Park, will begin at noon. The parade is the biggest St. Patrick’s Day event in the area and will have floats, marching bands and Irish music.

Minneapolis’ St. Patrick’s Day parade

The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and is organized by the Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Association. The parade starts at the intersection of Nicollet and 13th streets and ends at Fifth Street. Button and bead sets will be sold for $5 each to help raise money for Camp Needlepoint, which benefits children with diabetes.

Irish Music and Dance Association

The Irish Music and Dance Association will host its annual celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. The event includes live music, Celtic dancing, Irish food and vendors. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children and senior citizens.

O’Gara’s Bar and Grill

The St. Paul bar and grill will host Irish musicians and entertainers. It will also hold its 20th annual “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” which starts at 3 p.m. in the O’Gara’s parking lot and continues through the bar, restaurant and garage.

Free mass transit rides

Metro Transit will offer free rides on its buses or light-rail trains. Rides will be available from 6 p.m. until the last scheduled trip on routes operated by Metro Transit, the Met Council, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and Plymouth Metrolink. The Miller Lite Free Rides program is sponsoring the service to promote a safe alternative to drinking and driving.

‘The Next Parish Over’

The celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, located in
Lowertown, St. Paul, and will feature stories, poems, drama, music and Irish food.

The Dregs

These Irish musicians and comedians celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a mix of traditional pub music, modern mash-ups and humor. The performance will begin at 10 p.m. at Bryant Lake Bowl. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 the day of the show.

St. Patrick’s Day Music Blow Out

The event will feature multiple artists, including St. Dominic’s Trio, the Belfast Cowboys and the Tim Malloys. The musical performances are scheduled to start at noon at Kieran’s Irish Pub in Minneapolis.

Other places to visit

In addition to attending one of these St. Patrick’s Day events, consider going to the Cathedral of St. Paul’s shrine to St. Patrick, Irish on Grand in St. Paul, Irish Blessings in St. Paul or Anchor Fish and Chips in Minneapolis.

Rita Kovtun can be reached at kovt1547@stthomas.edu.