The Green Party

There's a particular word in Irish slang that perfectly sums up the spirit behind St. Patrick's Day: craic. Pronounced "crack," it usually signifies that boisterous good times are afoot, thanks to a merry mix of alcohol, music, and maybe even some debauchery.

So it goes without saying that the craic will be quite mighty at many of the copious St. Paddy parties and off-the-hook Irish events scheduled to go down across metropolitan Phoenix from Saturday, March 14 through Tuesday, March 17. There will be loads of leprechauns, lovely lasses aplenty, and more green beer than your stomach can take. And if you're planning on pounding pints for four straight nights, take a gander at our annual compilation of what the coolest bars, clubs, and pubs will be offering.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

SPECIAL EVENTS

Arizona Renaissance Festival

12601 E. U.S. 60, Apache Junction

www.royalfaires.com

The festival hosts special Emerald Isle-themed events — like the Sexy Knees Kilt Contest at the Royal Pavilion and the Celtic Nations celebration with jigs and dancing — on both Saturday and Sunday. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $18 adults, $6 for kids 5-12, free for those under 5. Call 520-463-2700.

Fountain Park

12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills

Enjoy a St. Patrick's Day celebration where the city's famous fountain will be dyed green at noon and 5 p.m. Live music is presented by from Booya at 10:30 a.m., the Phoenix Irish Pipe Band at noon, The Knockabouts at 2 p.m., Oceans Apart at 3 p.m., and Jed's A Millionaire at 5:30 p.m. Other highlights include Irish arts and crafts, kids' activities, a beer garden, a food court, and more. $5 for those 18 and over. 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Call 480-816-5151.

Margaret T. Hance Park

1106 N. Central Ave.

The 26th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Faire kicks off at 10 a.m. with myriad multicolored floats traveling from Third Street and Virginia Avenue to the west side of the park. Afterward, attend an all-day Irish Faire filled with Celtic culture, including two stages of Irish music and entertainment, Irish step dancing, food and drink areas, vendor and merchandise booths, arts and crafts, and a kiddy area. Runs until 5 p.m. $5 for adults, $1 for kids ages 6 to 12, and free for those under 6. Call 602-258-0109 or see www.phxirish.org.

Mesa Arts Center

1 E. Main St., Mesa

www.mesaartscenter.com

World-renowned folk ensemble The Irish Rovers perform. 8 p.m. $27-$37. Call 480-644-6500.

BARS, CLUBS, & PUBS

CK's Tavern & Grill

4142 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix

www.ckgrill.com

Get your Irish on a few days early at this pre-St. Patrick's Day party with green beer, Guinness and shot specials, and live music from Legend City. 5 p.m. Call 480-706-5564.

Club Mardi Gras & VooDoo Lounge

8040 W. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale

www.myspace.com/mardigrasbar

Local Godsmack tribute band VooDoo will pump out the nu-metal covers. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Call 480-970-5707 for cover.

Monkey McPants Bar & Grill

3223 S. Mill Ave., Tempe

www.monkeypantsbar.com

This zany frat bar hosts its "137th annual No Irish Allowed St. Patty's Day Irie-Land All Spanking Soiree," where Jamaica collides with Ireland. Besides such whacked-out diversions as free leg-humping by Artie the Irish Amputee, Jamaican Bobsledding with a guy named Bob, and hug tag with Elliot the Emerald Island Enthusiast, Drunken McPromdate will perform reggae-influenced music, and both Jamaican jerk chicken wings corned beef and cabbage will be served all weekend. 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Call 480-377-8100.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

SPECIAL EVENTS

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall

7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale

www.scottsdalearts.org

The latest edition of the thrice-monthly Sunday A'Fair will feature Celtic dancing and music from The Black Velvet Band at noon, and a performance by Irish songstress Bríd Dower at 2 p.m. in addition to its normal selection of food, art, and activities. Noon-4 p.m. Free. Call 480-994-2787.

BARS, CLUBS, & PUBS

The Blooze Bar

12014 N. 32nd St.

www.myspace.com/thebloozebar

Shamrock the house at the "Drink Till You Turn Green Pre-St. Patty's Bash" with $1.75 PBRs and music from Graveyard BBQ and Iron Maiden tribute band Children of the Damned. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Call 602-788-4574.

Hollywood Alley

2610 W. Baseline Rd., Mesa

www.myspace.com/hollywoodalley

Live music from theSTART, The Action Design, and Roxy Epoxy and the Rebound. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $10. Call 480-820-7117.

Tim Finnegan's

9201 N. 29th Ave.

The weekly Sunday Irish Seisun features instrumentalists and singers from around the world performing traditional music. 1 p.m. Call 602-997-2323.

MONDAY, MARCH 16

SPECIAL EVENTS

Mama Java's Coffeehouse

3619 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix

www.mamajavascoffeehouse.com

The Arizona Readers Theatre present public readings of St. Patrick's Day stories. 7 p.m. Call 602-840-5282.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

SPECIAL EVENTS

St. Patrick's Day Block Party

Craftsman Court between 3rd Ave. and 5th Ave., Scottsdale

www.scottsdalesblockparty.com

Get your drink on at this block party that encompasses Dos Gringos, Upper Deck Sports Grill, and Acme Bar, and includes access to all three bars. Metal Elvis and Zimis provide the tunes and drink deals like eight green beers for $20 will provides you with liquid courage. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Free before 8 p.m. Call 480-423-3800.