The Rathskeller -- absolutely. The music starts at noon, the Gordon Pipers show up at 5 p.m., there's great food and no cover.

The Claddagh Irish Pub has a tent party with live music. Plainfield, Downtown, and 96th Street are alternating who has what when, so plan ahead. I was at 96th Street last year; good party, tons of people, long lines for the bathroom. They advertise traditional Irish food, but I'd recommend this only if you're eating at your grandma's dinner time - good food service is virtually impossible after 7pm.

I just hope I remember to wear green so everyone doesn't pinch me all day.

I would like to make someone pinching another person a punchable offense, unless it's a woman pinching a man in certain situations.

Fionn MacCools in Fishers! The only truly authentic Irish pub & restaurant. Doors open at 11am and a $10 cover charge starts at 1pm. There are three different Irish bands scheduled to play. They have extra seating available in a heated tent attached to the building. We've gone here the last two years for St Pat's Day and we've had a blast. Not to mention excellent Irish grub & beverages.

This is what I'm doing on Friday. It's been a long time since I've heard live Irish music, and I can't wait. Now, I just need to plan the rest of the weekend. For that matter, I've taken all of next week off from work for purposes of extended drunkenness. I think we should try to make every day St. Patrick's Day.

Thanks for all the great ideas. I work downtown, so these are great! We plan on hitting up Rathskeller. Everyone have a very green St. Patrick's Day!