St. Patrick's Day on Long Island: ways to celebrate

March 1: The parades begin!

Mineola at noon ROUTE: Court House at County Seat Dr. to Old Country Rd., then Mineola Blvd. to Jericho Tpke. Bethpage at 1 p.m. ROUTE: St. Martin of Tours Church on Central Ave., down Stewart Ave. to Broadway. East Islip at 1 p.m. ROUTE: East Islip Library on Main St., down Main to Irish Ln. East Islip at 1 p.m. ROUTE: East Islip Library on Main St., down Main to Irish Ln.

March 1: Irish Family Day at Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site

Intended for children of all ages, staff members and students from the Mulvihill-Lynch Studio of Irish Dance will perform, chat with the crowd and even offer some instruction; guests can also take a tour of the center. WHERE/WHEN: 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Sunday, March 1 at 1 p.m. INFO: $9, tickets available online in advance at waltwhitman.org; call 631-427-5240 for more information.

March 2: St. Baldrick’s events

Every March, several restaurants, schools, bars and other organizations around Long Island hold volunteer events where people of all ages get their heads shaved publicly to benefit the fight against childhood cancer while showing solidarity with the young people who have lost their hair to chemotherapy. Click here for a look at some of the folks who have previously been buzzed or clipped for the cause.

March 3: Irish coffee at Shandon Court

March can be a chilly month, and if you're seeking a hot cocktail with Irish inspiration, Shandon Court (115 E. Main St., East Islip; 631-581-5678, shandoncourt.net) features a traditional Irish coffee (including whiskey, fresh cream and brown sugar), served in a glass with a mug handle (keeping the heat off your fingers). For even more Emerald Isle energy, check the restaurant's website to find out what nights live Irish music plays, including shows by owner (and native Irishman) Gerry Finlay, who specializes in tunes native to his homeland.

March 4: Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones

County Dublin's Derek Warfield, a founding member of the Wolfe Tones, is touring the USA with his current group The Young Wolfe Tones, and they'll be bringing their brand of Irish folk music to Long Island in March, appearing at Flanagan's Pub (451 Hawkins Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma; 631-588-9843, flanaganspub.net) on Wednesday, March 4 then Lily Flanagan's (345 Deer Park Ave., Babylon; 631-539-0816, lilyflanaganspub.com) on Thursday, March 12.

March 5: Shamrock Shake

The "Shamrock Shake," served at participating McDonald's restaurants in time for St. Patrick's Day, is back and celebrating its 50th anniversary--and this year it's being joined by a Shamrock McFlurry with Oreo cookie crumbled in. For more information on the shakes, what's in them and where to find them, be sure and download the official McDonald's Shamrock Shake Finder app for your Android or iOS phone. (For nutritional information, check the dedicated page at mcdonalds.com.)

March 6: The Wolfe Tones

Known around the world, The Wolfe Toneshave been touring internationally for 50 years, delivering their signature storytelling Irish folk sound to several nations--and come March they'll be playing venues across the Northeast, including Shandon Court (115 E Main St., East Islip; 631-581-5678, shandoncourt.com) on Friday, March 6, Carney's Irish Pub (136 Broadway, Amityville; 631-464-4445, carneysamityvillage.com) on Sunday, March 8 and Monaghan's (48 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre; 516-764-6372, monaghansrvc.com) on Monday, March 9. Call ahead for admission prices.

March 7: The Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade

With this year's grand marshal James Girvan leading the way, the parade launches at Pulaski Road and Lou Avenue at noon, and will roll down Main Street, turn onto Church Street and wrap at William T. Rogers Middle School. More information available at kpstpat.comPictured, from left: Sharon Nilsson, of St. James, and Lisa Scheer and Kerry Smith, both of Kings Park, at the annual Kings Park St. Patrick's Day parade on March 5, 2016.

March 8: Huntington St. Patrick's Day parade

The oldest St. Patrick's Day Parade on LI, the Huntington pageant--celebrating its 86th year--will begin south of the Huntington LIRR Station (near May Street) and proceed along New York Avenue until turning west down Main Street to the Church of St. Patrick (400 Main St.); expect a large turnout. WHERE/WHEN: New York Ave., Huntington; Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m. (rain or shine) INFO: Free; 631-873-0500, huntingtonhibernians.com

March 8: Irish Festival at Hofstra

The university's annual fest returns, celebrating Irish culture, food and music in its Mack Physical Education Center, North Campus. Authentic Irish food will be available for purchase, expect live entertainment music plus vendors will be selling crafts. WHERE/WHEN: 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead; Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. INFO: $6, $5 for ages 65 and older, free for ages 11 and younger); 516-463-6582, hofstra.edu

March 10: More parades

Farmingdale at 1 p.m. ROUTE: Northside Elementary School on Powell Place down Main Street to the Village Green (rain or shine). Pictured: The New York Chapter of Snow Dog Clubs of America took part in Farmingdale's annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday, March 11, 2018.

March 13: Learn to speak Irish

Curious about learning to speak Irish ("Irish Gaelic")? Drop by the Gerry Tobin Irish Language School at the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Babylon and check out what happens during classes. Instructor Seamas O Neachtain (AKA Jim Norton) says free Irish Gaelic classes are already being taught, but new people interested in joining can still sign up. Levels of linguistic expertise taught range from beginner to advanced speaking, and registration is as simple as just showing up. WHERE/WHEN: 27 Locust Ave., Babylon; Wednesdays starting at 7:30 p.m. INFO: Free; 845-541-3677, scoilgaeilge.org

March 12: Local Irish music doc screening

Filmmaker/musician Andrea Wozny has put together a documentary film focused on Irish Folk Musicians and Scottish Highland Bagpipers on Long Island—including the Northport Pipe and Drum Band (pictured)—and they will be performing at Cinema Arts Centre as she shows her film, then meets with the public and takes part in a Q-and-A session. WHEN | WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12; 423 Park Ave, Huntington INFO: $17 (members $12); 631-423-7610, cinemaartscentre.org (Pictured: The Northport Pipe & Drum band performs in the annual Brentwood St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 18, 2017.)

March 14: Am O'Gansett Parade

The shortest St. Patrick's Day parade on Long Island--about 15 minutes in duration--will be taking place once again this year, running down Main Street in Amagansett, only to make a U-turn and return to its starting point; the East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue Squad are this year's Grand Marshals WHERE/WHEN: Main Street, Amagansett; Saturday, March 14, at noon. INFO: Free; 516-456-4016, amagansettchamber.org

March 14: Irish Night in the Conklin Barn

The Huntington Historical Society is hosting a soiree focused on all things Irish, and includes a dance demonstration, food, drink and live music from the O'McSki's Regulars (pictured). WHERE/WHEN: 2 High St., Huntington; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, March 14 INFO: $50; $45 for members; 631-427-7045, huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org

March 14: Shilelagh Law at Mulcahy's

The New York-based Irish folk rock group will be performing at Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall, helping kick off St. Patrick's Day celebration three days early; Tuned Up is slated to open at 7 p.m. WHERE/WHEN: 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh; Saturday, March 14 at 9 p.m. INFO: $15 in advance, $20 at the door; 516-783-7500, muls.com

March 14: More parades

Westhampton Beach at noon ROUTE: to be determined, due to construction on Main Street St. James at 1 p.m. ROUTE: Lake Avenue at Woodlawn Avenue, down Lake to Railroad Avenue Bay Shore/Brightwaters at 2 p.m. ROUTE: Start at Saxon Avenue and Main Street, west down Main to Community Road Cutchogue at 2 p.m. ROUTE: Main Street and Cox Lane, east into Cutchogue Village. Pictured: A group of kids watching the annual Bay Shore-Brightwaters St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 10, 2018 joined forces to make some serious horn noise.

March 14: Huntington St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl

The crawl runs from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. and includes stops at Christopher's (8 Wall St.), Repeal XVIII (30 New St.), Huntington Village Tavern (378 New York Ave.), Nag's Head Ale House (396 New York Ave.) and McKeown's Pub (1 Clinton Ave.). Participants are asked to wear green to demonstrate St. Patrick's Day spirit; a portion of the proceeds have been announced to benefit charity. WHEN Saturday, March 16 INFO: $25; longislandsocialevents.com

March 14: St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt at Suffolk County Farm & Education Center

This annual family event returns with a scavenger hunt, animal feeding and wagon ride. WHERE / WHEN: 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank; Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. INFO: $10 for ages 2 and older; 631-852-4600, ccesuffolk.org

March 15: St. Patrick’s Day on Fire Island

You'll need a ferry ride to get there, but CJ's Restaurant and Bar (479 Bay Ave., Ocean Beach; 631-583-9890, palmshotelfireisland.com) is once again holding a St. Patrick's Day bash. Fire Island is not a typical destination for most in late winter, but the taverns and restaurants in Ocean Beach that open for business in March are known to welcome party people in to wear green and take part in holiday revelry--so be sure to watch for other parties around the hamlet when checking out the festivities (and green Rocket Fuels) at CJ's on the 15th. (Pictured: People gathered in Ocean Beach on Fire Island to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 17. 2018.)

March 15: more parades

Bayport/ Bluepoint at 11 a.m. ROUTE: Montauk Highway and Snedecor Avenue (Bayport), down Main to Blue Point Avenue. (Blue Point)

Farmingdale at 1 p.m. ROUTE: Northside Elementary School on Powell Place down Main Street to the Village Green

Rocky Point/ Miller Place at 1 p.m. ROUTE: Route 25A and Harrison Avenue (Miller Place) east along Route 25A to Broadway, Broadway north to Prince Road (Rocky Point)

Center Moriches at 2 p.m. ROUTE: east on Main Street from Lake Avenue to South Avenue.

March 15: "Taste of Ireland" at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre

An annual fundraiser for the CM Performing Arts Center, this event is scheduled to feature live entertainment from the Island Hills Chorus (pictured), comedian Mick Thomas and music by Gil McLean. WHERE | WHEN: 931 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale; Sunday, March 24 at 7 p.m. INFO: $20; 631-218-2810, cmpac.com

March 15: "Corned Beef & Chaos"

102.3 WBAB-FM's "Roger & JP" morning show is once again bringing its annual "Corned Beef & Chaos" St. Patrick's Day-inspired event to Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall. As usual, free Corned Beef and Cabbage will be served (from noon-3 p.m., there'll be giveaways and drink specials plus live music from (O El Amor; pictured) WHEN | WHERE: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, March 15 INFO: No cover; 516-783-7500, muls.com

March 22: More parades

Patchogue Village at 12:30 p.m. ROUTE: Start at Route 112 and East Main Street, west on Main Street to West Avenue and West Main Street (follows the "May The Road Rise To Meet Ye" 5K at 11:55 a.m.) Glen Cove at 1 p.m. ROUTE: Start at Forest Avenue near Dosoris Lane, Forest Avenue south to Brewster Street, School Street to Glen Street, down Glen Street to Pearsall Avenue

Ronkonkoma at 2 p.m. ROUTE: Patchogue-Holbrook Road at Richard Place north to Portion Rd., west down Portion to Ronkonkoma Avenue, south on Hawkins Avenue to Church Street, Church Street to Pond Road

March 21: Pre-parade rooftop party in RVC

The annual Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Parade begins at noon, starting at Long Beach Road at Maple Avenue, continuing down Maple Avenue until the endpoint at North Village Avenue and Quealy Place (rvcstpatrick.com). However, south of Sunrise Highway, the second-floor, open-air space Rooftop 32, normally not in business until the warmer days of spring, will also be providing some revelry -- albeit with added altitude -- featuring a DJ spinning plus bagpipers and drink specials throughout the day. WHERE / WHEN: 3 North Park Ave., Rockville Centre (above Kasey's Kitchen & Cocktails, stairwell is behind the building), starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 INFO: No cover, 516-766-5049, kaseysrvcny.com/rooftop-32

March 21-22: More parades

March 22: Ronkonkoma at 2 p.m. ROUTE: Patchogue-Holbrook Road at Richard Place north to Portion Rd., west down Portion to Ronkonkoma Avenue, south on Hawkins Avenue to Church Street, Church Street to Pond Road. (Pictured: El Teatro Rodante Hispanico dance company performs at the Ross Park parade review stand during the annual Brentwood St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 18, 2017.)

March 22: Montauk’s St. Patrick's Day Parade

Billed as the second-largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York, the most eastern hamlet on the South Fork's procession will start at Edgemere Street, rolling down to Main Street, where it rolls past the village green until reaching the end of Main. Heavy crowds are the norm. WHERE / WHEN: Main Street, Montauk; Sunday, March 24 at noon INFO: Free; 631-668-1578, montaukfriendsoferin.org

March 28: Jamesport parade

The last parade of the month takes place on Saturday, March 28 in Jamesport starting at 1 p.m. With Town of Riverhead Community Development Director Dawn C. Thomas in place as the Grand Marshal, the route will run from the Main Road and Washington Avenue, then down Main to Manor Lane at the George Young Community Center. Pictured: Jamesport residents Kailee and Nicolas Santiago and Fella the dog didn't have to travel far for their hometown's St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 25, 2017.