Straight from Belfast comes the fast-dancing Altnaveigh troupe with “Piping Hot,” a whirl of legs, drums and bagpipes at the Firehouse Theatre Project, March 16 at 8 p.m. $20. 355-2001.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has decided to integrate all its music socials into a continuous event. The thematic Third Thursdays kick off March 17 with the theme “Lucky,” featuring Killian’s Red, Guinness, Harp Lager, Irish coffee, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and the music of Tinker’s Dam, 6-9 p.m. $10. 340-1405.
Celtic fiddler Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul rock the Modlin Center with the music of the Isles, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. 289-8980. History and culture all in one.
The St. Patrick’s Irish Festival takes over Church Hill for its 20th year of green cheer and live music, featuring Uisce Beatha, the ubiquitous Tinker’s Dam, the Bart Chucker Band and others, March 19-20. $2. 658-0504.
Irish pub Sin é wouldn’t be left in the dark, and they have their own St. Patty’s Day Party March 19, starting at 11 a.m. and running all day and night, featuring the playful fiddles and guitars of DC Motor, Trasna, Naughty Little Monkey and Wonderground. Free before 6 p.m. 649-7767. Shine your shamrocks, ladies and gentlemen. — Brandon Reynolds