Once youve been to a few St. Patricks Day celebrations, you may come to the conclusion that the Irish like to party (the green beer and those Kiss Me, Youre Irish shirts always help get things going). The green fun continues at this years
38th Annual Houston International Festival, which spotlights the people and culture of the Emerald Isle. Therell be music, art, food and exhibits spread out over several city blocks during two weekends. Expect plenty of Irish action; along with lots of traditional music, theres a living museum and a reproduction of the Blarney Stone. This year therell also be some homegrown Houston talent mixed in with the Irish artists. An all-star team of local Celtic dancers taken from Houstons Cass, McTeggart and OMaoileidigh troupes will perform throughout the festival.
Those with green fatigue can head over to one of the other cultural zones, which invite visitors to global destinations including Ethiopia and Jamaica, and, closer to home, Texas and Louisiana. Theres a gypsy market and a fine arts market, a beer garden, various entertainment stages and a nonstop concert schedule. (For information on the festivals musical performances, visit www.houstonpress.com.) Noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. Through April 26. Houston City Hall and surrounding streets, Walker at Bagby. For information, call 713-654-8808 or visit www.ifest.org. $10 to $15.
Sun., April 19, 2009