It isn't a huge deal in Ireland, but American Irish people made it one across the pond. So, Happy St. Patrick's Day, folks. Drink up, but drive responsibly. (Best mixed message ever.)
Claddagh — An Explosion of Celtic Dance & Music offers a vibrant music, dance and multimedia performance that combines the feisty exuberance Barrage and Stomp while weaving in Irish traditions. 2 and 7 p.m. Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. $24.50, $29.50, $34.50 add $5 at the door. 727-587-6793. largoarts.com.
Big festivals at the Dubliner, Irish 31, O'Keefe's and Four Green Fields highlight today's offerings. At The Dubliner Irish Pub St. Patrick’s Weekend Celebration, St. Patricks Day fun can be had for four days at either of the its locations. The weekend will be filled with traditional Irish food, live music and of course Guinness. Food and drink deals will be available and special events will be taking place all weekend through St. Patricks Day. thedublineririshpub.com. Irish 31’s Paddyfest Party wraps up three days of fun with live music, a kids zone, contests and more. 1611 W. Swann Ave., Tampa. 813-250-0031. irish31.com.
O’Keefe’s St. Patrick’s Day Irish Festival has bagpipes, live bands, Irish dancers, kid activities, a rock wall, bounce house and even flame throwers. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. 1219 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. 727-442-9034. okeefestavernonline.com/st-patrick-s-day. Four Green Fields, Tampa’s thatch-roofed, authentic Irish pub serves up food, tons of brew and entertainment by The Blarney Bhoys from Dublin with Pat Dunlea and more all day long. 205 W Platt St, Tampa. 813-254-4444. tampa.fourgreenfields.com.
In 2010, Hillsborough County purchased approximately a half-acre of adjoining property from the school board to provide an enlarged 1.2-acre site for the new library. The new replacement library, designed by FleischmanGarcia Architecture, has been constructed at a cost of $3.8 million, and today, the bigger, badder Seminole Heights Branch Library has its official grand opening with festivities throughout the day and guided tours.
Tripled the size of the library to a two-story, 22,000-square-foot building, the library features American Craftsman style architectural details that are harmonious with the neighborhood's environs, and includes a large community room that can hold 130 people, a second floor porch, an Innovation Studio, the Stephen J. Gluckman Collection Room, and the Friends of the Seminole Heights Library bookstore and vending café. The parking lot also has tripled in size.
For more info, visit hcplc.org, call 813-273-3652 or like the Friends of Seminole Heights Library at facebook.com/FriendsoftheSeminoleHeightsLibrary.
