Rhody Weekend Must-Do's: March 14-17

There’s plenty of reasons to dress up in green this weekend! Join in the St. Patrick’s Day revelry with traditional music and dance performances, can’t-miss parades, family-friendly outings, and grabbing a pint and corned beef at bars hosting local bands. Add cultural, educational, and crafty events to your itinerary, too.

In case of weather delays or last-minute cancellations, always call the venue or check online for updates before you go.

ALL WEEKEND

In partnership with the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, Newport Mansions presents Gilded Age Newport in Color, an exhibit at Rose Cliff showcasing the achievements of African heritage business entrepreneurs in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Opens Friday, Newport

FRIDAY, March 15

Sisters and singer/songwriters Mary Pierce and Margi Gianquinto, with guitarist Paul Colombino and fiddler Kate Knudsvig, come together for The Magic of Ireland, an evening of original tunes and traditional Irish music. Tickets online, Portsmouth

Comprising First Nation artists, Small Island Big Song brings a transcendent journey across 16 island nations throughout the Pacific and Indian oceans, in the form of music, spoken word, and visuals, to The Strand, presented by FirstWorks. Tickets online, Providence

SATURDAY, March 16

Held rain or shine, the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade officially kicks off the holiday, beginning at Newport City Hall and making its way to Saint Augustin’s Church, with pipe and marching bands, fife and drums, local orgs, and more. 11am-1pm, Newport

There’s no better place to start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early than grabbing a pint of Guinness at Murphy’s and settling in for favorite Tom Petty hits performed by tribute band Wicked Petty under a heated tent. 7-11pm, Providence

Brain Week continues with the Brown Brain Fair, led by students and scientists from the university’s science labs and centers, as well as local health care orgs, for a full day of enlightening fun. 10am-2pm, Providence

Level up your egg coloring game by learning the traditional Ukrainian artform of using bright dyes and hot wax to create intricate patterns. A Pysanky Workshop at the Audubon Nature Center walks participants through all the steps. Tickets online, Bristol

SUNDAY, March 17

For all-ages, pet-friendly revelry, the Shaidzon St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes a rerelease of Wicklow Dry Irish Nitro Stout, plus string band Alpaca Lunch playing Irish folk music, with step dancing and the wearing of green encouraged. 12-6pm, West Kingston

The World's Shortest Beach Parade takes place at The Pub, where dressed-up participants are their own float, followed by live music by The Naticks, and Pub-E-Oke at night. Traditional Irish dinner is served all weekend. Starts at 12pm, Matunuck

Head to Mapleville Farm for their St. Patrick's Family Day Dinner, an alcohol-free, kid-friendly feast that includes corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and delectable desserts. Live music may inspire a jig or two! Tickets online, Mapleville