Five Reasons to Leave the House This (St. Patrick’s Day, Whoo!) Weekend
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St. Patrick’s Day
This is the weekend we’ve all been waiting for, folks. Yes, that’s right. St. Patrick’s Day is finally here. Whether you want to celebrate with the liveliest of locals and visitors at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Southie, or enjoy a tamer day with a cruise around Boston harbor, there are plenty of ways to enjoy St. Paddy’s Day throughout the city. You can even break out those running shoes to support charity or watch an Irish performance to tap into the history of the holiday. And don’t forget the pubs! But whatever you do this St. Patrick’s Day, make sure to wear green.
Various events throughout the weekend, Southie parade on Sunday, March 17
Music
Dropkick Murphys
We’re sure that New England’s hardest punk rock fans are shipping up to Boston this weekend to see Dropkick Murphys perform their Irish Festival at TD Garden. The band will perform with Black 47, The Mahones, and Old Man Markley, and the acoustic stage will include sets by Old Brigade, Brian McPherson, and Sun Cooked. Though their show at the House of Blues on St. Patrick’s Day has sold out, there are still tickets available for the Irish Festival at TD Garden, so hurry to get your spots!
$35+, Friday, March 15, 7:30 p.m., TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, 617-624-1050, tdgarden.com
Film
Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival
If the St. Patrick’s Day madness that ensues every year is a little too much for you, take a vacation this weekend to the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. Now in its thirteenth year, this festival is special because of the unique community feel to it. In a “community living room,” audiences curl up on comfy couches for a weekend getaway and a culturally invigorating experience. This weekend extends beyond the theater with local food and live music. The movie lineup includes insightful documentaries and intriguing narratives from the best of the indie film circuit, as well as shorts tailored to local audiences. Spirited conversations with directors, filmmakers, and experts also enhance the cinematic experience.
$15+, Friday-Sunday, March 15-17, Chillmark Community Center, 520 South Road, 508-645-9484, mviff.org
Art
Portraits with Pizzazz at ICA
To accompany the Mickalene Thomas exhibit currently on display, families are encouraged to create their own portraits at the ICA this Saturday. Thomas, who works with collage to create massive works focusing on the space surrounding the female figure. Each parent-child pair will be able to channel Thomas’s inspirations and work with Roxbury artist Johnetta Tinker to create personal portraits with paint and mixed media.
$30+, Saturday, March 16, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave., 617-478-3100, icaboston.org
Books
Boston Author Event
Calling all bookworms! This Saturday, 30 authors from across the country will convene in Boston for a literary smorgasbord. Both traditionally and independently published authors, including several New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, will sign books (available for purchase on location). So break out your reading glasses and join Boston’s most avid readers at this event.
Free (registration required), Saturday, March 16, 12-4 p.m., Omni Parker House, 60 School St., 617-227-8600, bostonauthorevent.blogspot.com
