The wild and prideful St. Patrick’s Day holiday is just around the corner and falls on Friday, March 17. Most of us celebrate this holiday by wearing green, drinking an Irish ale, and spending time with friends and family. The kiddos probably know about the famous Leprechauns who mysteriously cause havoc in classrooms or at home on St. Patty’s Day. 

Irish or not, people love this holiday and its traditions. Like the phrase “Kiss Me I’m Irish” or pinching people who aren’t wearing green. But why do we celebrate? Who is Saint Patrick? 

In the fifth century, Saint Patrick was born in Roman Britain… and he wasn’t Irish! At the young age of 16, Saint Patrick was kidnapped for six years and brought to Ireland. Later he converted to Christianity and returned back to Ireland. He is credited for bringing Christianity to its people and is considered a patron saint of Ireland. 

St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 because it’s believed to be the day that he died. According to mythology, he’s the one who explained the Holy Trinity by using a three-leafed clover–also known as the shamrock. 

Now that we know a brief history, let’s celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day! Here are four ways to celebrate the green holiday (with and without kids!).

Adults Only

3 p.m.-2 a.m. Denver St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl & Block Party will have drink and food specials all night. Buy a ticket online, and wear green! March 11, 17, & 18. Gin Mill & Larimer Beer Hall, Denver. nasstive.com

11 a.m.-9 p.m. Join the annual St. Patty’s Party, which will have Irish dancers and food, along with the release of Mintnight Express Stout, which has chocolate and mint flavors. March 11. New Terrain Brewing, Golden. newterrainbrewing.com

Kid Friendly

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Cook delicious foods like a Classic Irish Beef Stew, Irish Soda Bread, and Chocolate Stout Cookies with Raspberry at Family Day Out: St. Patty’s Day Celebration. You can eat and take home everything you and your family cook! March 18. Uncorked Kitchen, Centennial. uncorkedkitchen.com

Noon-6 p.m. Olde Town Arvada’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival has live music, food, a kids’ zone, and more than 50 vendors. Admission is free, and the whole family will have a blast at this street festival. March 11. Olde Town Arvada. oldtownarvada.org