Want a better way to celebrate Buffalo’s most popular March holiday? Take part in the 15th annual Old Neighborhood Saint Patrick’s Day Parade this year, and start the weekend off early. It launches from the Valley Community Center at noon on Saturday (so as not to conflict with that other parade on Sunday), located near the corner of South Park Avenue and Elk Street. The parade traces the original 1913 parade route through the historic streets of the Valley and Old First Ward neighborhoods. Participating in the parade are Irish dancers and marching bands, with floats, classic cars, radio stations, police and fire department vehicles, entire families and more. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, the head of the Irish Republican Army’s political wing and one of the key figures in the Irish peace process, will march side by side with Congressman Brian Higgins in the parade. Adams will also be a special guest speaker during the post-parade Grand Irish Hooley at the Valley Community Center. The hooley features live Irish music by Blackthorn, Irish dancers and an abundance of refreshments. Visit saintpatricksdayparade.com/buffalo for more information.

—lara reden

12pm. Valley Community Association/Center, 93 Leddy St at S. Park & Elk

(823-4747 ext. 4/thevalleycenter.com). FREE