Put on a shade of green – or risk getting pinched – as Whidbey Island gears up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Though the holiday falls on a Monday this year, that won’t stop people from having a blast, whether it’s drinking a green beer or marching in a parade.

Oak Harbor

Shamrock Splash is back March 14 at the John Vanderzicht Pool, from 7:15 to 9 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged for the night of fun, which includes a “lights out” open swim, Irish music, treats and surprises. Contact the front desk at 360-675-7665 ext. 0 or visit nwpprd.org to reserve your spot.

Wear green March 15-17 and shop at downtown Oak Harbor businesses to get discounts, specials and treats from participating merchants.

Looking to meet new friends? The Leprechaun Pub Crawl starts at 3 p.m. on March 15 at Lava Louie’s and moves on to various other locations throughout the day, including Orlando’s, China Harbor, Barrington’s Irish Bar & Grill, Noe Jose Cafe, The Tipsy Jellyfish, Sweet Rice and Kraken’s Cove. There will be trivia, prizes and food and drink specials.

Speaking of Barrington’s Irish Bar & Grill, Whidbey’s only Irish pub plans to host a variety of live music throughout the weekend, including Dale and Nell Russ with special guest Donald Terao 7 to 9 p.m. on March 15, the Devillies 6 to 8 p.m. on March 16 and A Fiddle in the Forest 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Bruce Coughlan 8 to 9:30 p.m. on March 17.

Sign up before Friday to become part of Oak Harbor’s biggest event, the Whidbey Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Featuring Grand Marshal Steve Jacobs, the 52nd annual parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on March 17 and rolls down Pioneer Way from Ely Street to Midway Boulevard. To register, visit the Oak Harbor Main Street Association’s website, oakharbormainstreet.org/events. Prior to the parade, at 3 p.m., there will be a kissing and blessing of the Blarney Stone with Pastor Linda Tucker of the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church.

Coupeville

Tickets are selling fast for the Shifty Sailors’ 18th annual St. Paddy’s Bash at the Coupeville Recreation Hall March 17. The Shifty Sailors themselves will be performing, along with Eclectically Celtic. Doors open at 5, with the event running from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $45 and include an Irish dinner and one beverage.

South Whidbey

Irish artist Cormac McCarthy encourages people to find their pot of gold at his massive art sale March 15-17. His studio located in Clinton is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some pieces are 25% to 50% off. Drop in before the sale and put a hold on your favorite piece. Visit cormacpaints.art for more information.

Start the weekend off right with a St. Patrick’s Day Pancake Breakfast 9 to 11 a.m. at Island Senior Resources on March 15. The family-friendly breakfast features pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, gluten-free options and door prizes. Proceeds benefit the Meals on Wheels program. To RSVP, call 360-321-1600.

Let your inner Irish shine at Double Bluff Brewing Co’s St. Patrick’s Day Fest, which runs 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 15. Ikaika Bistro will provide traditional Irish fare, there will be Irish beers on tap and the Fiddle Chix will arrive on the scene 6 to 8 p.m. The greenest person in the room wins a prize.

The party starts early in Freeland, with Greenbank Cidery’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration 6-8 p.m. on March 15. Dance some jigs and imbibe in cold glasses of cider or beer while enjoying entertainment from the Plastic Paddies.

Green beer, Guinness and good times will surely be had at Thirsty Crab Brewery in Clinton on March 17. The party starts at 5 p.m. and includes a DJ, karaoke and temporary tattoos.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Dancing Fish Vineyards in Freeland with live music by Stephen Barbour and festive Irish tacos by Taquería la Puebla, 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free but reservations are strongly encouraged.

Can’t get enough of St. Patrick’s Day? Hierophant Meadery in Freeland is having a fashionably late celebration of the holiday, in conjunction with the Spring Equinox, 4 to 8 p.m. on March 22. Pre-order a selection of Reubens, cheese and charcuterie boxes from Biercuterie at biercuterie.com/events. Gather around a bonfire with family and friends and enjoy live music from buskers.

(Photo by Teresa Besaw/Oak Harbor Main Street Association) Not to be left out, these donkeys donned some green for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Oak Harbor.