Twelve ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this weekend

Aaron Thackeray

Whether you're Irish or just like to celebrate St. Patrick, there's plenty to do in Denver this weekend. Green beer will be flowing in pubs across the city, but for an all-ages good time, try one of the concerts booked for the holiday. We've rounded up some of the best events -- some day, some night, some family-friendly, some adults-only. And a handful are even free!

See also:
- The St. Patrick's Day party list: Where to drink and get your green on in Denver
- Photos: 2013 Irish Pub Crawl gets a head start on St. Patrick's Day
- Videos: CU Boulder does St. Patrick's Day Project X style

12) Denver ShamRock & Roll at ViewHouse Eatery Bar & Rooftop
(Saturday, free)
Join Westword for a post-parade blowout at the brand new ViewHouse Eatery Bar & Rooftop starting at 2 p.m. The massive restaurant and entertainment emporium will host live music with Bop Skizzum, Rachel & The Kings, Calder's Revolvers, Monroe Monroe and DJ Bedz at the turntables.

11) Paddy's On Pearl on South Pearl Street
(Saturday, Free)
Head to the 1500 block of South Pearl Street for a day of Irish festivities. Mulligan Stew, JIMO & the Piper and The Parker Brothers will perform, as will traditional Celtic stepdancers. Street vendors will be on hand, and the Killian's Irish Red and Guinness Stout will be flowing.

www.fadoirishpub.com

10) St. Baldrick's Charity Event at Fado Irish Pub
(Friday, donation)
This decade-old event invites gutsy participants to Fado Irish Pub today to have their heads shaved for charity -- childhood cancer research. Participants of all ages can sign up as singles or teams to gather donations and lose hair, all for a good cause.

9) Gobs O'Phun St. Patrick's Day concert at Swallow Hill Music Hall
(Friday, $16-18)
Inspired by The Quiet Man, John Wayne's movie set in Ireland, today's performance from Gobs O'Phun will incorporate the music of the film as well as snippets of dialogue. The entertaining evening will also feature storytelling songs and a dose of Irish history, as well as plenty of chances for audience participation.

8) Paddy's Festival at Punch Bowl - Social Eat & Drink
(Saturday and Sunday, $10 to $15)
This two-day festival transforms the massive Punch Bowl - Social into a full-on headquarters for St. Patrick's Day, with food, fun, festivities and plenty to drink. All-ages during the day, adults-only at night, the celebration will focus on live music from Potato Pirates, Young Austin Band, Rachel & the Kings, Portabello Road, Bop Skizzum, Synthetic Elements, MTHDS and Monroe Monroe.

7) 2nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival in Olde Town Arvada
(Saturday, free)
Now in its second year, this celebration, hosted by the Old Town Arvada Association, offers a lineup of great live music and Irish festivities along the town's main drag. Food, drinks, arts and crafts and an Irish spirit contest will fill the day, along with the sounds of such bands as Drienka, the Gromet, the Duke Street Kings and Wild Love Tigress.

Jim Wills

For more photos from the 2012 parade, visit our full slide show.

6) St. Patrick's Day concert with Colorado Symphony and Colcannon at Boettcher Concert Hall
(Saturday, $25 to $88)
Colcannon, a Denver-based Irish music group, will collaborate with the Colorado Symphony to honor St. Patrick in storytelling and song. Tonight's performance will also act as the premiere of Colcannon's new orchestral work, O'Toole and the Goose, the poetic musical story of King O'Toole, his pet goose and the elusive St. Kevin.