Java Beach at the Zoo and the United Irish Cultural Center host a block party Sunday, March 13 in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Image: Java Beach

Feel the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day by getting out of the house and painting the town green! March brings a holiday of Irish cheer, so it’s time to celebrate and chug a pint of Guinness, run a 5K and stomp to some Celtic-Indian grooves — though perhaps not in that order.

Traditional festivities kick off Saturday, March 12 with a 9 a.m. St. Patrick’s Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 756 Mission St. at Third Street, followed by the United Irish Societies of San Francisco’s 160th Annual
 St. Patrick’s Day Festival at the Civic Center Plaza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will coincide with the festival on Saturday, March 12, starting at 11:30 a.m. The parade will begin in downtown San Francisco at Market and Second streets.

Later that evening, the San Francisco United Irish Cultural Center hosts its annual corned beef and cabbage dinner following the parade at the UICC, 45th Avenue at Sloat Boulevard.

Then it’s time to get fit at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K on Sunday, March 13, at 9 a.m. Think about all the green beer yet to be had and get your run on! The run begins at East Beach/Crissy Field, in the East Beach parking lot west of the yacht harbor. Registration closes March 11 at 9 a.m.

Don’t want to wander outside the Ocean Beach area? No problem, the UICC is also hosting the 3rd Annual Green-Fest Block Party with ICCC and Java Beach Café at the Zoo, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 13. Irish bands, face painting and jumpy castles will be some of the featured events, all for no charge. Call (415) 661-2700 for more information.

The United Irish Cultural Center on 45th Avenue hosts a number of St. Patrick's Day events. Photo: Tom Prete / Ocean Beach Bulletin

Jumpy castles are just for kids, but wander next door to learn some Irish history through storytelling at Oral Histories of the Irish in San Francisco, from 2-4 p.m. in the St. Francis Room of the UICC.

That’s not end of St. Patrick’s Day activities, not by a long shot.

Feeling adventurous? Head down to the Mission District and enjoy an Irish History Night with treats, beer and wine hosted by the California Historical Society Museum on Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A donation of $4 is suggested and an RSVP is required to (415) 357-1848, ext. 229 or e-mail kjacobson@calhist.org. 678 Mission Street.

Sweet tooth? Head into John Campbell’s Irish Bakery at 5625 Geary Blvd. for some St. Patrick’s Day Plum Pudding.

John Campbell's Irish Bakery on Geary Boulevard in the Richmond District. Photo: Tom Prete / Ocean Beach Bulletin

Now you’re probably feeling that sugar high! Get loose with some Irish music and dancing at the California Academy of Sciences’ special St. Patrick’s NightLife event on Thursday, March 17 from 6 -10 p.m. Cost is $12. Ages 21 and older.

Want to keep your groove on? Delhi to Dublin will be performing electro-acoustic-Celtic infused Punjabi with hints of reggae and hip-hop jams at Mezzanine on March 17, 2011 at 9 p.m. Cost is $18. 444 Jessie St.

All that dancing and you must be hungry! If you’re looking for authentic Irish fare and brews, wander over to Flanahan’s Pub at 3805 Noriega St. for a corned beef-buffet and Jameson drink specials.

Flanahan's Pub on Noriega Street features a corned-beef buffet and drink specials on St. Patrick's Day. Photo: Tom Prete / Ocean Beach Bulletin

Shannon Arms Irish Pub at 915 Taraval St. is planning an Irish bash too – but details are not being released until immediately before, so call (415) 665-1223 for more information.

Little Shamrock is throwing an annual St. Patty’s Day party, too — with Guinness and Jameson specials! All the couches will be cleared out to make celebratory room at 807 Lincoln Blvd.

Too much green beer? Don’t fret, and definitely don’t drive! AAA is offering a free St. Patrick’s Day Tipsy Tow. You don’t have to be a member, just call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) and tell the AAA operator, “I need a Tipsy Tow.”

Luxor Cab is also giving free cab rides home from 3 p.m. March 17 to 3 a.m. March 18. Rides will be provided from bars and restaurants only to a home residence. (415) 282-4141.

Whatever your desire, let this St. Patty’s Day be one to remember by partying it up and honoring the Irish.

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