A Man of No Importance
This musical, set in ’60s Dublin, tells the tale of Oscar Wilde–obsessed bus driver Alfie Byrne, who reads Wilde’s poetry to his passengers and presents his plays at the local church. Alfie encounters protest when trying to bring Salome—a sexually charged interpretation of the titular veil dancer—to the stage. Based on the 1994 film of the same name, A Man of No Importance is brought to life by the same creative team that transformed Ragtime into a musical.
Where: Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St., 416-368-3110.
When: March 7 to 22.
How much: $30, plus $3 service fee.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
While Toronto doesn’t dye its river green like Chicago does, the city still provides plenty to see. The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is among the biggest in the world, so come celebrate your Irish heritage—everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s—alongside grand floats, leprechauns and shamrocks.
Where: Starts on Bloor St. W. at St. George St., proceeds down Yonge St. and ends at Nathan Phillips Square.
When: Sunday, March 16, noon.
How much: free.

My Ireland of Dreams
This set of Irish ditties, performed by tenor Richard Valdez, is a tribute to the life and music of legendary Irish tenor John McCormack. The pieces encapsulate the life, times and music of the beloved McCormack. Think of it as Toronto’s version of the Irish Tenors.
Where: Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave., 416-922-3618.
When: Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.
How much: $25.

An Irish Theatrical Evening
Get an early start on your St. Patrick’s Day festivities with spoken word artist Jonathan Lynn at the Brazen Head, the city’s new Irish mega-pub, in Liberty Village. Lynn was a pioneering member of the Toronto Irish Players, a troupe that was started more than 30 years ago to celebrate the city’s Irish actors and their artistic heritage. Expect tall tales and laughs in true Irish storytelling tradition.
Where: Brazen Head Irish Pub, 165 East Liberty St., 416-535-8787.
When: Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m.
How much: $40 for dinner and the show.

St. Patrick’s Day Run/Walk
The ninth annual iteration of this five-kilometre run is organized by Achilles Canada, a group that encourages those with disabilities to run as a measure to unite all people. It wouldn’t be an Irish event, however, if it didn’t involve beer, and so a pint of yeasty brew is served after crossing the finish line, along with a bowl of Irish chili.
Where: Start and finish lines are at the Steam Whistle Brewery in The Roundhouse, 255 Bremner Blvd.; to register, call the Running Room, 416-867-7575.
When: March 16.
How much: $35 before March 15, $40 on race day.

Traditional Irish Folk Music with Spraoi
Looking for a peppy Irish jig? Head west to Hugh’s Room, where the musical group Spraoi—featuring Irish-born musicians—will be crooning tales of emigration and life on Dublin’s streets. The sounds of the fiddle, button boxes (accordions) and uillean pipes (Irish bagpipes) will transport the audience back to the Emerald Isle before culminating in a full big-band performance (and maybe a donnybrook).
Where: Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St. W., 416-531-6604.
When: March 17, 8:30 p.m.
How much: $20, $22 at the door.