5 Best Things to Eat and Drink This Weekend in Metro Phoenix

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire Saturday, March 15

Phoenix's 31st annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire will kick off this Saturday at 10 a.m. with a parade and faire at the Irish Cultural Center on the west side of Hance Park. The faire will include three stages with Irish music and dancing, as well as Irish food and drink, games, and crafts. Admission costs $10 for adults and teens, $8 for seniors and military, and free for kids 12 and under. For more information visit the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire website.

And don't forget to check out our Field Guide to Irish Pubs in Metro Phoenix as you search for the perfect place to post up on St. Paddy's.

See also: St. Patrick's Day 2014: Field Guide to Irish Pubs in Metro Phoenix

Rusconi's Culinary Kitchen Cooking Class Saturday, March 15

This Saturday, chef Michael Rusconi will lead a cooking class showcasing three spring recipes -- starter, entrée, and dessert. The dishes, each designed to appeal to a home cook, will incorporate seasonal ingredients and Rusconi's signature culinary style. The class, which will begin at 10 a.m. at Rusconi's American Kitchen in North Phoenix, costs $65 a person and includes instruction, recipes and a three-course lunch. Wine pairings will also be available for an additional $12. To reserve a spot call 480-483-0009.

World's Largest Pie Fight Saturday, March 15

Let out some aggression out and donate to a good cause this weekend at Peace Pi's World's Largest Pie Fight. Though you won't be able to eat any tasty pastries, you will be welcome to chuck them at other people's faces -- which is nearly as good. The pies will be color-coded with each color translating to a different type of charity -- blue for educational causes, purple are for health and welfare, and so on. Admission is $10 and gets you two peace pies. And once you're done be sure to hit the indoor beer garden courtesy of Angels Trumpet Ale House. The pie fight begins at 11 a.m. at the new Walter Studios Creative Arts Center in Phoenix.

ChicagoFest Sunday, March 16

This weekend, Mesa Riverview, located not far from the new Chicago Cubs spring training stadium, will transform into a little piece of the Windy City, with a three-day celebration of all things Chicago. In addition to Chicago favorites like Vienna Beef hot dogs, corned beef and cabbage, and Goose Island brews, former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka will make an appearance and bring eats from his Ditka's Restaurant, located inside the Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino. Other attractions will include an interactive History of Chicago exhibit and live polka, blues and Irish music sets. Admission costs $10 and tickets can be purchased online.

Last Drop's Mixology Class Sunday, March 16

This Sunday, Lon's at the Hermonsa Inn's Last Drop Spirit Guide Travis Nass will give a crash course in cocktails, focusing specifically on speciality vodkas. The class will begin at 2 p.m. and cover everything from the liquor's history to styles, brands, and of course, recipes. Attendees will get to taste two different cocktails and have a chance for a Q&A session after the course. The class is limited to 10 people and costs $30. For a reservation, call 602-955-7878.

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• Weekend Eats