Weekend Possibilities | St. Patrick’s Day, Planet Comicon and it’s ‘Always Sunny’ William Shatner in KC

Call it a stroke of Irish luck. There’s a little something for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Just be sure to dig up that green T-shirt in time for Friday’s hooley.

Friday, March 17

11 a.m. Put on your green getup and get down to Broadway for the 2023 Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The party starts at Linwood and Broadway and rolls through Midtown to 43^rd Street in Westport. The 2023 theme is “Our Irish Ancestry.” Arrive early to find a prime viewing location along Broadway.

1 – 8 p.m. Planet Comicon touches down in Kansas City Friday and continues through the weekend at the Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13^th St. Pick up a single-day or weekend pass for the chance to meet and greet with celebrity guests like actor William Shatner and WWE superstar Kevin Nash among dozens of scheduled appearances. You can also partake in a comic book swap and shop, panels, cosplay exhibitors and so much more. Be sure to check the full schedule of events online in advance. Friday passes are $31.99 for adults and $10.99 for children. Three-day adult passes are $85.99. Daily prices vary.

6:45 p.m. WWE Friday Night Smackdown will set up the ring once again in the T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Blvd. The St. Patrick’s Day show will likely feature matches with WWE superstars like Smackdown’s women’s champion Charlotte Flair, undisputed tag team champions Jimmy and Jey Uso, plus Monday Night RAW stars and more. Tickets are available starting at $20, plus tax and fees.

Saturday, March 18

8 a.m. KC Running Company’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K is an option for anyone unafraid of early morning activity, perhaps to work off a green beer or two. The race starts in Leawood, Kansas, 11565 Ash St. Last-minute registration is $35. There is a kids run for $15. Be sure to check online for packet pickup details and the full 5K route. Awards will be handed out for top performers. There will be a St. Patrick’s Day costume contest.

11 a.m. Puppeteer Kraig Kensinger will put on a performance of Jack and The Beanstalk Saturday morning at Puppetry Arts Institute in Independence, Missouri, 11025 E. Winner Road. You can reserve your little one’s spot to watch handmade puppets star in the classic tale for $5. Children under the age of two do not need a ticket.

Noon – 4 p.m. There is a free celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, love, spring and the triumph of good over evil Saturday afternoon at Roe Park, 10400 Roe Ave. All are welcome to the Holi Indian Color Run Festival, where participants will be available to buy colored powders for $2 a piece and live DJs will lay down the party soundtrack. Prepare to be completely covered in the colors of Holi. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

7 p.m. The annual Crossroads Beatbox Battle is bound for the stage at  recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. Grab tickets for Saturday night’s showdown, where the city’s best human beat machines will take the mic to try to win this year’s $500 grand prize. Beatboxers can compete across solo, tag team and loop station categories. Tickets are available starting at $30.

Sunday, March 19

Noon Fans of Formula 1 racing will meet at Pathlight Brewing in Shawnee, Kansas, 11200 W. 75^th St., to cheer on their favorite drivers competing in the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. Doors open at 11 a.m. to allow for plenty of time to grab a beer, a plate of brisket or pulled pork from Point & Flat BBQ and a table to settle in for the high-speed action.

6 p.m. “The Gang Opens Up A Bar” is the latest TV-inspired experience from Apparition Pop-Up Bars, 4601 Shawnee Drive. Fight milk, riot juice and alcohol-soaked ham is on the pop-up menu, paying ode to the popular show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Organizers have transformed the space into “the gang’s” beloved Paddy’s Pub for a limited time only. Check online for open reservation slots. Tickets are $5 per person.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.