Where to Get Your Green On for St. Patrick's Day

Some cities go all out for St. Patrick's Day. New York throws a world-famous parade and Chicago dyes a river green.  

San Diego's no slouch either. Locally, the big day gets an early kick-off Saturday, when the Irish Congress of Southern California hosts its annual parade and festival in and around Balboa Park.  

In the coming five days, aspiring leprechauns will have the chance to enjoy races, readings, music and pub events that all culminate in the big shamROCK street fest in the Gaslamp in downtown San Diego Thursday. 

So don your leprechaun hats and a “Kiss Me I'm Irish” button and join in!  Here's a taste of what's coming up ... click through for more details: 

• , La Mesa and Rancho San Diego, 5 p.m., Thursday, for Hooley Fest, which features bands, food, and again, shuttle service between events and free rides home within a five-mile radius. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day-of, and $25 for VIP at both locations. Bands to perform include The Mighty Untouchable's, Gwydion's Fire, and The Heroes.
• , In addition to dishing up traditional Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage, the Spring Valley hot spot will be serving up piping hot college hoops action, as the NCAA tournament kicks off. San Diego State plays its first-round game at 1:40 p.m., so come support the Aztecs and get green draft beers and discounts on Irish shots. And don't forget to for a chance to win great prizes and help youth basketball. 

• , Solana Beach, Wednesday and Thursday, has “Zane Patrick's Day,” hosted by comedian Zane Lamprey, and two nights of music, to celebrate the Irish. 
• La Jolla, 4 p.m., Wednesday, for a free family concert at the branch library. 
• , Coronado, 1:30 p.m., Thursday, for music and merriment the pub has been counting down to on its web site all month.
• , Poway, 2 p.m., Thursday, for signature corned beef and cabbage, along with music and and celebrating in the pub's beer garden.
• , downtown San Diego, 4 p.m., Thursday, for a street fest in the Gaslamp that includes three stages for bands, DJ's and go-g0 dancers. Nicely, also offers free rides to those who've overindulged. 
• , La Mesa, 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday, for celebrating on the day itself, and a little extra the day after.