Irish Eyes Are Smiling All Around the County

Some cities go all out for St. Patrick’s Day. New York throws a world-famous parade and Chicago dyes a river green. Our rowdy next-door neighbor, La Mesa, has Hooleyfest.

, organizers of this music-and-imbibing event, got special dispensation from the La Mesa City Council to amplify performers beyond 10 p.m. Thursday at its Grossmont Center location. The music ends at midnight, and perhaps 1,000 revelers are expected.

Also held at Hooley’s Rancho San Diego location, the celebration begins at 5 p.m. Thursday and features bands, food and shuttle service or free rides home.

So don your leprechaun hats and a “Kiss Me I'm Irish” button and join in!  Here’s a taste of what's going on around San Diego County. Click through for more details: 

• La Jolla, 4 p.m. Wednesday, for a free family concert at the branch library. 
• , Coronado, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, for music and merriment the pub has been counting down to on its website all month.
• , Poway, 2 p.m. Thursday, for signature corned beef and cabbage, along with music and and celebrating in the pub’s beer garden.
• , downtown San Diego, 4 p.m. Thursday, for a street fest in the Gaslamp that includes three stages for bands, DJ’s and go-g0 dancers. Nicely, also offers free rides to those who've overindulged. 
• , La Mesa, 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday for celebrating on the day itself, and a little extra the day after.

Or perhaps, you have enough St. Patrick’s Day experience to throw your own shindig. If yes, check out Patch’s .