Celebrate all things Irish this St. Patty's Day weekend

'Tis time to shine up those shamrocks and head out to a St. Patrick's Day celebration. We have a handful of events that have become annual traditions and a few that will get you leaping like a leprechaun.

The Ghent section of Norfolk goes green Friday evening with its 15th annual Greening of Ghent Block Party, featuring music and dancing. The local eateries and nightspots will serve up more fun into the wee hours. The Greening of Ghent Block Party will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and TailGate Down and Corporate Woods Drive will perform. Head to Colley Avenue between Shirley and Spotswood avenues in Norfolk. (757) 672-4356.

Another Norfolk tradition steps off Saturday. It's the 42nd annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade and Festivities in the Ocean View area. Expect a wild and crazy day when the neighborhoods come alive as everyone becomes Irish for at least a little while. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday at Westmont Avenue and Granby Street in Norfolk and features marching bands, floats and more. After-parade social (music by F.A.B. and Hotcakes) at 1 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 211 W. Government Ave., Norfolk. (757) 587-3548.

For something more refined, check out Cherish the Ladies, with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, traditional Irish music. The performance is at 8 p.m. Friday at Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Paul's Blvd. at Charlotte Street, Norfolk. $26-$86. (757) 892-6366.

Virginia Symphony Orchestra will present Irish Spring Fling, classical music at 3 p.m. Sunday at Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Paul's Blvd. at Charlotte Street, Norfolk. $9-$22. (757) 892-6366.

The 37th annual Shamrock Marathon, 8K Run at will kick-off at 8 a.m. March 21. The Operation Smile Final Mile will be at 10:30 a.m. March 21 at Atlantic Avenue and 31st Street in Virginia Beach. Half Marathon Run and Half Marathon Walk at 7 a.m. March 22 at Atlantic Avenue and 42nd Street and Marathon Run and Marathon Walk at 8 a.m. March 22 at Atlantic Avenue and 33rd Street in Virginia Beach. (757) 412-1056. www.shamrockmarathon.com.

Health-nuts should scope out the Shamrock Sports & Fitness Expo from 1 to 9 p.m. March 20 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 21 at Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St. (757) 385-2000.

Music lovers should see Danu, Irish folk music at 2:30 p.m. March 22 at The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen St., Hampton. $25-$30. (757) 722-2787.

Lastly, Celtic Thunder, including Irish, Scottish, traditional and contemporary songs, will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 29 at Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Paul's Blvd. at Charlotte Street, Norfolk. (800) 745-3000.

- Roy A. Bahls