A day that began as a way to commemorate St. Patrick, the cleric who helped spread Christianity throughout Ireland, has evolved into a celebration of everything Irish — the culture, the history, the food, the traditions.

On March 17, and the days surrounding the holiday, the region will be the setting for parades and festivals, concerts, celebratory pub crawls and plates of soda bread more than four centuries after the first recorded St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S.

To celebrate nearby, residents in the Northwest can immerse themselves in the luck — and everything else — of the Irish.

Irish Folk

The High Kings, who have performed for the Queen of England, and Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, bring their brand of Irish folk music to the Keswick Theatre in Glenside at 8 p.m, March 12. Tickets $52-$195. keswicktheatre.com

St. Patrick’s Day parades

Conshohocken

Line up along Fayette Street for the 20th anniversary of the borough’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 2 p.m., Saturday, March 14. This year’s event will celebrate the role of the Irish community in building America. If you prefer an indoor celebration, Leeland Mansion (720 Fayette St.) will host a pre-parade gathering (11 a.m.) and an after-party (4 p.m.). Visit Leelandroom.com. The 13th Consohocken St. Patrick’s Day 5K Classic starts at 12:30 p.m., before the parade. Visit runsignup.com. Parade rain date: March 21.

Center City

You can start your downtown celebration with a parade Mass at 9 a.m., Sunday, March 15, at St. Patrick’s Church, 20th and Locust Streets. Archbishop Nelson Perez will lead the service with a procession led by the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band. The parade follows at 11 a.m., starting at 16th Street and JFK Blvd. phillyparade.com

Glenside

The 2nd annual Glenside St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival begins at 11 a.m. with the parade that starts at Glenside Library at 215 S. Keswick Ave. The festival in Keswick Village follows noon-5 p.m. A special parade kick-off will be at Glenside Memorial Hall from 9-11 a.m. March 21.

The Irish Center

The Commodore Barry Arts and Cultural Center in Mt. Airy will host a solo performance by Paul Byrom, of Celtic Thunder, who calls his show “Songs from Home.” 7:30 p.m., March 14. Tickets: $40; $55 (includes a meet and greet). Then, March 15, join the revelers at the center for the Family-Friendly Post-Parade Party with music by Birmingham Six, 3-8 p.m. On Sunday, March 22, Sina Theil, performs in concert, 4 p.m., March 22. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 6815 Emlen St., Mt. Airy. The center is at 6815 Emlen St. theirishcenter.org

Dancing rhythms

Join Rhythm of the Dance for the troupe’s journey through Ireland’s history from the ancient, rich in legend and myth, to the modern, urban Ireland. 8 p.m., Sunday, March 15. Tickets $52-$106. keswicktheatre.com

Open Sesame

For the wee ones, Sesame Place in Langhorne, Bucks County, will celebrate the occasion with ShamROCK ‘n’ roll. There will be a parade, scavenger hunt and special Irish dance shows. March 14-15. sesameplace.com

Celtic women

Grammy-nominated group Celtic Women return with a brand-new show, “Postcards from Ireland,” which celebrates the rich musical and cultural heritage of the Emerald Isle. The performance includes Irish dancers, bagpipers and an array of traditional Irish instruments. 8 p.m., March 17. Tickets $64-$309. keswicktheatre.com

Post St. Pat

You can continue the celebration in April with the Paul Moore Band, Irish dancers and a full Irish buffet, 4-8 p.m., April 18, at the Knights of Columbus, 235 Limekiln Pike, Glenside. $60, adults in advance; $10, under 21; free for kids under 12.