St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Columbus. Whether you have true Irish heritage or are just Irish for a day, we’ve got some plans for you!

Family-Friendly Options
Thursday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual parade kicks off in the Arena District at 11:45 a.m. on Nationwide Blvd. and heads south on High street, then west on Broad Street to Franklin County Veteran’s Memorial where folks can join in the Shamrock Club of Columbus’ Family Reunion (below).

Shamrock Club of Columbus Family Reunion
Similar to a big indoor picnic, this event features Irish dancers, bands, kids’ activities and assorted beverages. This is a great option for a family that likes active adventures.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings
The puck drops at 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena. Games versus Detroit are always high-energy and are a great option for families and singles alike.

The Real Festive Choices (for adults only)
For those ready to kick up their heels, just in case you need it, you better take the Yellow Cab number with you: 444-4444.

Flannagan’s
Billed as “Ohio’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day Party,” they open at 6:30 a.m. This is a great destination for band-lovers, as the music continues until 2 a.m. on two stages! $5-$15 cover.

Byrne’s Pub
This is an insanely popular spot on St. Patrick’s Day. Stop by to experience real St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Note that parking here can be a bit challenging. You’ll have to check out local side streets and be aware of any “no parking” or “resident parking only” signs as you search for a spot. $10 cover. (more…)

When you think of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Columbus, one place that easily stands out is the northwest suburb of Dublin. They take Irish pride to a whole new level all year long. In Dublin, “Irish is an attitude,” and their St. Patrick’s Day Celebration , held this Saturday, is no exception.

It all begins with a big Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast from 7-11 a.m. at Sells Middle School, located at 150 West Bridge St. Adult admission is $6, children under 12 are $4.

Then, Dublin’s annual parade, expected to draw 20,000 spectators this year, begins at 11 a.m. It will start at the Metro Center and make its way east along Bridge Street through Historic Dublin - you can check out a map here . The parade features bands, floats, clowns, St. Patrick himself, leprechauns and all-things-green.

The community will also be filled with Irish-themed activities that would be fun to share with family or friends. Here are some ideas, all of them taking place on March 13:

• Irish Tasting event with live music - Whole Foods Market. 12-2 p.m. (3670 W. Dublin-Granville Rd.)
• Irish tea & scones with writer Cindy Thomson, author of Brigid of Ireland - TehKu Tea Company.  10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (55 S. High St.)
• Performance by the Celtic Band Mythica - The Brazenhead Irish Pub. 4-7 pm (56 N. High St.)
• Chocolate Guinness cupcakes and St. Pat’s decorated treats - Sugar, Inc. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (36 N. High St.)
• The American Cancer Society Blarney Hop - The Shoppes at River Ridge. 12-4 p.m. (6436 Riverside Drive)

Click here for more St. Patrick’s Day Celebration info provided by the City of Dublin.