St. Patrick's Day Guide 2005

Slainte Opening at 11 a.m. with commemorative pint glass giveaways, discounted beer and live music featuring Charlie Wemyss. Start your downtown pub crawl here.

St. Pete's Dancing Marlin Festivities start at 11 a.m. with a green beer special and rattlesnake on the menu, a live remote at 3 p.m. with KPFT and live music at 10 p.m. featuring Kosmic McLatte.

THE MAIN EVENT ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION
Downtown, on Main Street between Congress and Capitol

Main Street celebrates this fun Irish holiday with a huge street party. The Bud Stage will feature music from Urbana, and the Irish Stage will feature the Cass Irish Dancers. They'll close the street to automotive traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly zone with picnic tables lining both sides of the 500 block of Main, with outside vending, Irish dancers and live music 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

GRIFF'S 40 ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY FESTIVAL
3416 Roseland, 713-528-9912, www.griffshouston.com
Thursday, March 10

St. Patrick's Day Queen Contest

Are you one of Houston's most beautiful lasses? Then you're invited to compete for the title of St. Patrick's Day Queen. Join in for an evening of fun and entertainment as the list of competitors is narrowed down. The queen will ride in the Houston St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 12. And the first prize is a vacation for two to a resort in Mexico, $250 in baubles from Klein's Jewelry and other gifts. Second prize is jewelry worth $150, and third prize is jewelry worth $100, all from Klein's, in addition to other gifts.

Friday, March 11

Beer, Booze, Babes and Balls -- Greater Houston Irish Open Golf Tournament

Griff's 23rd annual tournament is always a good time. Get more details and sign up online. Noon.

Saturday, March 12

Join the Green Tide to Houston's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Ride in the caravan departing at 9 a.m. Have fun at Griff's after the parade. Then head back to Griff's for an Irish stew cookoff all afternoon, with music.

Monday, March 14

The Old Timers get together to remind themselves how much fun they used to have. Drink specials all day and night.

Tuesday, March 15

St. Paddy's Festival Steak Night

Get you a good base in your belly, well in advance of Thursday's drinkfest, with 16-ounce steaks, Irish potatoes and green beer.

Thursday, March 17

Top o' the morning to ya. Griff's has everything you need to make today special: music, beer and friends. All day and night. Get your tickets early. Check your head at the door.