MAYFAIR — Downtown has a green river, the South Side has a parade, but there's plenty of St. Patrick's Day revelry to be found without leaving your neighborhood.
At the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., one day isn't enough to celebrate Ireland's patron saint: organizers have planned a three-day festival.
The party starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday and doesn't stop until 10 p.m. on Monday.
Saturday's events include performances by the Shannon Rovers and the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance. A craft fair featuring Irish gifts runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and genealogy assistance will be available to those who are convinced they ought to be Irish. Cost is $15, children 12 and under are free.
The pints continue flowing Sunday in the Center's Fifth Province pub, with festivities kicking back into high gear on Monday. The day-long party includes music, dance and even a mass. Tickets are $10, children 12 and under are free.
More local St. Paddy's Day activities:
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave.: Mrs. Murphy kicks off the weekend's festivities on Friday with all-you-can-eat corned beef and cabbage for $17.50 (for reservations call 773-248-3905). Doors open at 9 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. on Monday, with pipers, dancers, whiskey and beer on tap.
The Grafton, 4530 N. Lincoln Ave.: Expect Irish eats, Irish drinks and Irish musicians straight from the Emerald Isle. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Monday, 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Le Cafe, 4655 N. Lincoln Ave.: Taking orders for Irish soda bread. Stop in or call 773-878-2233.
Grand Tour, 2434 W. Montrose Ave.: This month's Irish Tour menu features smoked trout, corned beef sausage and cabbage, and cheesecake with a potato chip crust, whiskey caramel and oatmeal stout ice cream.
Celtica Gifts, 1940 W. Montrose Ave.: Shop Irish jewelry, Irish sweaters, Irish crystal, Irish food. The next best thing to a trip to Dublin.
Martyr's, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave.: Saturday's St. Patrick's Day party kicks off at 1 p.m., with no cover before 9 p.m. Wash down a bowl of Guinness stew with a Guinness pint — $5 all day. Musical guests include Spraoi, Paddy Melt and Tin Lynott, a Thin Lizzy cover band.
Monty Gaels, 4356 N. Leavitt St.: Enjoy performances by Irish dancers and bagpipers on Saturday, and plenty of Irish music, Irish food and green beer on Monday. Doors open at 10 a.m. both days.
Lizard's LIquid Lounge, 3058 W. Irving Park Rd.: Owner Liz Kavanagh hails from Ireland and knows how to throw a St. Paddy's Day party — the key ingredient is drink specials. On Monday, Lizard's starts serving up complimentary corned beef and cabbage at 6 p.m., with Tangleweed taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. A marathon of the Irish sitcom "Fr. Ted" will play all day.
