- Houston loves a reason to celebrate, and the city starts St. Patrick's Day early. In the weeks preceding St. Patrick's, look for pageants, a bass tournament, golf tournament, musical and dramatic productions, baking contests, and banquets and auctions, all supporting the city parade and coordinated by the St. Patrick's Day Commission.
- Houston has its congestion problems on any day of the year, but with crowds coming to the most popular venues, consider taking the Metro train or buses to get to your destination. Metro's website, www.ridemetro.org, and automated phone system, (713) 635-4000, provide easy route-mapping assistance.
- Start the morning off right with a traditional Irish breakfast at Brian O'Neill's Pub (5555 Morningside Drive) or at the Goose's Acre Bistro in The Woodlands (21 Waterway Ave.), then head to downtown where the children will love the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which starts and ends at Minute Maid Park. One of the largest such parades in the nation, more than 100 floats, marching bands, animals, art cars, drill teams and other performers make this a city favorite. After the parade, walk to the city's newest park, Discovery Green, for the post-parade party, including free Irish and Celtic music on the stages.
- From Discovery Green, find your way to one of the several Irish pubs for food, music and the particular spin on how to express your green. Brian O'Neill's continues its day with live music and plenty of beer. Griff's Sports Bar (3416 Roseland St.) continues its annual festival with contests and live music. Kenneally's Irish Pub (2111 S. Shepherd Drive) has its annual Celebration Under the Tent, while Molly's Pub (509 Main St.) has live bagpipers, Irish dancers and Irish fare. McGonigel's Mucky Duck (2425 Norfolk St.), described by Billboard Magazine as one of the best venues for live music, lines up several regional musicians and bands for the day and keeps everyone happy with great food and an extensive European beer menu. One of the city's favorite local spots, the crowd at the Mucky Duck is loyal, the staff is friendly, the music is always live and the atmosphere is authentic.
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