St. Patrick’s fun, Coney Island gala, Macy’s flowers bloom and more things to do in NYC

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17, 11 a.m.
Fifth Avenue between 79th and 44th streets
Free

Lucky New Yorkers will be able to use their lunch break today for something a little more fun than their usual trip to the food cart. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade runs along Fifth Avenue, passing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, starting at11 a.m. Called the “world’s oldest and largest parade,” it began as a way for Irish expats to celebrate their homeland in 1762.

Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey tasting
March 17, 3-4 p.m.
The Dead Rabbit, 30 Water St.
Free

The world’s best bar (they’ve got the hardware to prove it) is run by two boys from Belfast, so Irish whiskey is never far from their minds. On St. Patrick’s Day, Tullamore D.E.W. is hosting a complimentary cocktail hour, with free signature drinks as well as whiskey tastings and beer pairings from 3-4 p.m. The corned beef sandwiches, lamb stew and live music (1-5 p.m., 8-midnight) are free all day.

St. Paddy’s Luck of the Irish Pub Crawl
March 17, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
Multiple locations
$7.77-$11.77

Anyone can dress in green and roam from tap to tap this St. Patrick’s Day, but the St. Paddy’s Luck of the Irish Pub Crawl gives your mission an air of authenticity — plus great drink specials. Choose from 11 meetup points, and be sure to register by 9 p.m. Then you’re free to move between participating bars until 2 a.m.

FUNDRAISER

Coney Island USA 2016 Spring Gala
March 19, 8 p.m.-midnight
Coney Island USA,1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn
$125-$200

You may not know that your favorite site for beachside debauchery relies on public funding. Hence their annual gala, with a night of unlimited food, beer and wine, plus live music, burlesque and sideshow acts for $125, which goes toward the Mermaid Parade, Coney Island Film Festival and more. VIP tickets ($175) include an extra hour of merriment plus a swag bag; all tickets go up by $25 on March 19.

HOLIDAY

Holi in the City
March 19 & 26, noon-7 p.m.
Stage 48, 608 W. 48th St.
$29.99

After the hullabaloo forSt. Paddy’s Day dies down,you can keep the party going at Stage 48’s two weekends of celebrating Holi, the Hindu spring festival. Besides the requisite colored powder-throwing, there will be boozy brunch (cash bar) and DJs spanning four floors — including the rooftop!

SPRING

Macy’s Flower Show
March 20-April 3
Macy’s Herald Square,151 W. 34th St.
Free

You’ll know spring is in bloomif you visit Macy’s Herald Square next week. Macy’s welcomes spring with store-wide fanfare through its annual FlowerShow. This year, the theme is “America the Beautiful,” so we’re guessing you’ll see plenty of red, white and blue — plus, each floor will pay homage to the flora from various regions of the U.S.

TRIVIA

‘Parks and Recreation’ Trivia
March 21, 8-9:30 p.m.
The Coliseum, 312 W. 58th St.
Free

How well do you know Pawnee, Indiana? “Parks and Recreation” Trivia gives you the chance to test your knowledge to win “all the bacon and eggs we have,” according to organizers Trivia AD. There better be waffles, too, but we have a feeling Leslie would still show up for competition’s sake. It’s free to play with registration, plus a $15 food and drink minimum.

WORKSHOP

Scattering Stars: Whirling
March 23, 7 p.m.
Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St.
$40

The captivating dance ritual known as whirling, or semazen, is a way to release the ego while replicating the movement of the cosmos. Inspired by the poet Rumi, who was known to recite his works while whirling, the Rubin Museum is hosting a workshop called Scattering Stars. Novice and expert dancers are welcome to learn the devotional Sufi choreography, taught by Carolina Fonseca, a master of gypsy duende and practitioner of worldwide intercultural dance.

DRINKS

Whisky Extravaganza
March 23, 7-9:30 p.m.
Gustavino’s, 409 E. 59th St.
$180

There is a more refined way to celebrate Irish tradition for St. Patrick’s Day, and that’s by sampling hundreds of whiskies and small bites at the Whisky Extravaganza. Guests are asked to dress business attire and register by 7 p.m. You’ll head home with a premium cigar, copy of Robb Report and souvenir tasting glass.

COMING UP

Art of Yoga
March 26, 9:30 a.m.
Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway
$10-$25

Start your weekend with some mindful relaxation with a yoga session led by Faith Hunter in the beautiful Beaux-Arts Court before the museum is open to the public, with Maduka providing free mats. Wrap up with a meditation session with live music from a string trio presented by Groupmuse. Afterward, explore the exhibits — your ticket includes museum admission.