St. Patrick’s Day celebrations dominate this week’s event list, and while the actual day of the Irish is Thursday, March 17, festivities run all weekend long. Fletcher’s famous corny dog food truck will make an appearance at a brewery this week, and there’s also a big Asian food festival as part of an anime event. Lastly, don’t miss the anniversary of one of Fort Worth’s favorite distilleries.

Thursday, March 17

43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party at J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill
The Metroplex’s biggest day-of St. Patrick’s Day party exists at this time-honored downtown Arlington bar and grill. Hundreds will visit throughout the day for the 43rd edition of this annual tradition. Arrive as early at 11 am for lunch or later at 4 pm when the fun begins outside under tents. There’ll be live music, green beer, and those famous Irish nachos that have featured on Food Network. Note that a cover charge of $6 begins after 6 pm.

Friday, March 18

St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade & Palooza
Mansfield (where Best Maid pickles originated) touts itself as the pickle capital of Texas. The city will celebrate the title with two days of festivities, including a 5K, 10K and Kids 1K, live music, food, drinks, and the world’s only St. Paddy’s Day pickle parade, which will take place on Saturday. On Friday, runners can pick up their race packets and enjoy vendors and music. Saturday the real fun happens with the parade starting at 10 am, a concert by Kevin Fowler at 2:30 pm, and multiple contests including pickle juice drinking, pickle eating, and pie eating. Admission is free.

Fletcher’s Friday at Rahr & Sons Brewing
The famous corny dog truck will visit the Near Southside brewery to sling some freshly battered dogs to pair with beer. Get one corny dog, two beers, and a pint glass for $22 or pay $30 to get two corny dogs, three beers and a glass. The event will run from 5-9 pm and there’ll be live music by the quirky Go-Go Rillas band.

Saturday, March 19

Shamrocks & Shenanigans at Texas Live!
The Arlington entertainment complex will host a St. Patrick’s Day-themed party with live music, drink ticket packages, and gold coin giveaways. Drink ticket packages start at $10 for two drink tokens and go up to $20 for five drink tokens, but expect prices to go up closer to the event. The party starts at 4 pm.

Shamrocks & Shenanigans at Crockett Row
Same name, different event in different location. The West 7th district will host a St. Patrick's Day festival with rides and photo opps with live green miniature ponies, face painting stations, balloon art, gift card giveaways, and live local DJs.. Participating Crockett Row restaurants will also be serving fan-favorite green beverages and brunch and/or lunch specials, and a portion of restaurant sales will be donated to Cook Children’s Medical Center. It runs 11 am- 3 pm, and admission is free.

Nishi Fest
The anime and Asian pop culture festival will take place at Esports Stadium in Arlington, the largest dedicated esports stadium in North America. Part of the event is an Asian food festival, featuring more than a dozen diverse vendors. Admission starts at $35, and children under 10 are free. Doors open at 10 am the event runs until 9 pm, although there is a separate ticket available for an after-party until 1:30 am.

St. Patrick’s Day at Shannon Brewing Company
The Keller brewery with Irish roots will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day party, featuring live music and bagpipe performances, food trucks, and even cigar rolling. Admission is free, but drink card packages start at $25 in advance for a pint glass, pint glass koozie, and a drink card for six eight-ounce pours. Or purchase at the door for $30, but only until 4 pm. A la carte purchases also welcome. The party will run from 12-9 pm.

Blackland Distillery 3rd Anniversary Party
Cheers to three years at this Foundry District distillery, which will celebrate with an exclusive cocktail menu, discounted bottles, a food truck, free tours, and giveaways. The party will run from 2-7 pm and admission is free.

Sunday, March 20

Mac Attack charity Mac & Cheese showdown at Tokyo Cafe
A competition that started as a friendly battle of words among friends is now a nonprofit where local chefs let the public decide whose mac & cheese reigns supreme. The event runs 1-3 pm at Tokyo Cafe. General admission tickets ($25-$35) include tasting and voting starting at 1 pm; a VIP ticket ($45) gets you in early at noon. Kids are admitted for $10. Tickets and more information here.