Sat. March 17 

Bummed out because you're not going to one of the string of St. Paddy's day shows at Avalon by the Dropkick Murphys? Don't be bummed. There is no string of shows this year - just two on Friday the 16th on Saturday March 18 starting at 6:30. What? you're thinking. Boston's riotous Celtic-infused punk band has slipped in status? Hardly, my friend. They've simply bumped it up a notch, playing the much larger Agannis Arena ... which is sold out. And, actually, we just found out the Avalon shows have gone clean, too. There is a solution however. Spend St. Paddy's at Ned Devine's in the Fanueil Hall area, where WBCN is setting up shop to broadcast and give away Murphys' tickets to Ned's patrons. They're open at 9 a.m. and serving a $12 Irish breakfast. Stick around for $5.50 pints of Guinness.

Quincy Market Building, 617-248-8800 neddevinesboston.com