Lots o' ways for everybody to be Irish this weekend. You can, of course, watch a parade and drink green beer. You can listen to Celtic music, with or without a modern twist. You can shop in the spirit of the day. Or, you can solve a murder at a wine tasting. Huh? Read on.

Parades

There were more parades in New Jersey last weekend than on St. Paddy's weekend itself. Still, there at least three on Sunday. All kick off at 1 p.m.—in Newark starting at Washington Street and Central Avenue, in Bayonne at Broadway and 5th, and in Keyport at Broad and Monroe.

Traditional Irish Music

Harpist/singer, Aideen O'Donnell performs traditional music from the island Friday 12:15-12:45, at the Presbyterian Church on the Green (of course!), Morristown; free admission, check www.pcmorristown.org. Then Saturday 3-8 p.m., still in Morristown, at the Community Theatre, "The Spirit of Ireland: From Galway to Broadway" features singers, dancers, harpists. Call (973) 539-8008 or visit www.communitytheatrenj.org.

Traditional (sort of) Irish Music

If you like Irish folk music with a dash of Celtic rock, catch New Jersey's own Paddy and the Pale Boys at a pub this weekend. Friday they play at Fitzgerald's Harp'n Bard in Clifton; Saturday, at Grasshopper Off The Green in Morristown; Sunday, at Danny Boy's Pub, Bayonnne. Check www.thepaleboys.com.

Murder Mystery Dinner

It's not traditional, but it sounds like fun. Four Sisters Winery (www.matarazzo.com/Winery) in Belvidere is staging "The Lord Vanishes," an interactive Irish whodunit with audience participation and a St. Patrick's-themed wine-tasting dinner. It's $55 per person, starting at 7 p.m. Call 908-475-3671.

Kids Too

Irish or not, your kids can get into the spirit of things at St. Patrick's craft and story-telling programs. The Evesham Library (856- 983-1444) has one for kids 3-6 today , at 3:45 p.m.

Saving Some Green

Your little ones will be smartly attired, and you'll save a few bucks if you buy some of Rockland County sweater maker Marika Hahn's hand-loomed, fabulous spring sweaters, on sale from her website www.marikahahn.com. Tiny green critters including grasshoppers, frogs and dinosaurs adorn the vests and sweaters.

Spending The Green

Finally, splurge on a special grownup gift to mark the holiday at www.redenvelope.com. We love the Bells Of Ireland bouquet, and the Peridot four leaf clover earrings.

Enjoy the celebrations and have a great weekend!