culture@sfbg.com

EVENTS Diarmuid Philpott, chairman of this year's St. Patrick's Day parade and president of the Irish United Societies, knows a thing or two about SF's glorious Irish heritage, the holiday's significant religious and cultural roots, and of course, where the party is for the upcoming week. "First of all, it's a celebration of being Irish," Philpott explains. "Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day. And they are welcome to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day!" So don that emerald green, and buckle down for a hooley of a time.

"GETTING THE JOB DONE: IRISH CITIZENS AND A LIFETIME OF CIVIL SERVICE"

What have the Irish ever done for you? Learn about their contributions to our city at this panel discussion, featuring local paddies from the public and private sectors and moderated by Tony Bucher of the Irish Herald. The event is part of the Irish Crossroads Festival, which celebrates the intersection of roots and modernity in Irish culture today.

Thur/11, 7 p.m., free

United Irish Cultural Center

2700 45th Ave. , SF

(415) 810-3774

www.irishamericancrossroads.org

159TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL

The largest celebration of Emerald Isle culture west of the Mississippi is taking over downtown this weekend — and you want in on the dancin', pipin' action. Afterward, head to the Civic Center street festival, featuring vendors, activities, a beer garden and Irish gypsy jazz group, the Doug Martin Avatar Ensemble.

Parade: Sat/13, 11:30 a.m. , free

Starts at 2nd St. and Harrison, SF

Festival: Sat/13 and Sun/14, 11 a m.-5 p.m., free

Civic Center Plaza, SF

www.sfstpatricksdayparade.com

ST. PATRICK'S DAY BLOCK PARTY

For a family-oriented celebration, jet down to the United Irish Cultural Center, which will be co-hosting this al fresco event with Java Beach. There'll be food, drink, games for the kids, jumpy castles — and a zoo across the street if you really want to make a wee one's day.

Sun/14, 11 a .m.- 4 p.m., free

45th Ave. (between Sloat and Wawona), SF

(415) 661-2700

www.irishcentersf.org

HARRINGTON'S BLOCK PARTY

Sure, we're a city that doesn't lack for a superlative Irish pub in which to celebrate St. Patty's — Durty Nelly's, the Plough and Stars, and the Chieftain come to mind — but Harrington's joins with neighborhood businesses for a celebration right in the FiDi of it all, closing down the block for performances by Ben Hunter and Celtic Scandal, the Kennelly Irish dancers and big, steaming plates of corn beef and cabbage.

Wed/17, 11 a m-1 a m., free

245 Front, SF

(415) 392-7595

BOG SAVAGES

Get a load of the reggae-laced tones of these Irish rebel rockers, who've got the street cred to back it up. Frontman Kevin Barry escaped from Belfast's Long Kesh prison in the IRA's 1983 "Great Escape." They rock.

Wed/17, 8:30 p.m., free

Maggie McGarry's

1353 Grant, SF

(415) 399-9020

www.maggiemcgarrys.com