photo by Dawn Sanborn Photography

The Rochester area is ready to go green with this year’s Irish Fest in Rochester, Minn.

A series of events are planned for the first half of March leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Here is a quick rundown of those events for those ready to get their green on.

March 1: Fourth annual whiskey tasting

This event is sponsored by Apollo Liquors and will be held at the Rochester Civic Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor many different whiskeys.

Tickets: $25. For $50, people can take part in the VIP (Very Irish Person) event. The VIP receptions begins at 6:30 p.m. with Irish-themed hors d’ouvres with each sampling. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for all other guests.

 March 8: Irish Locals on Tour featuring The Máirtín de Cógáin Project and Raven’s Fire at the Rochester Civic Theatre

Local favorites Raven’s Fire will open for The Máirtín de Cógáin Project. It will make for a night of high energy and Celtic music.

Tickets: $25 for adults (13 and over) and $12 for students (12 and under). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Spectrum Pro Audio and Rochester Civic Theatre.

March 15: Irish Dinner and Ceili Dance

This returns the popular Ceilí Dance with The Twin Cities Ceilí Band and renowned Ceilí caller Máirtín de Cógáin out of the Twin Cities. This event will follow a meal featuring Irish stew, kerrygold cheeses and Great Harvest’s Irish soda bread.

Tickets: $25 for adults (13 and over), $12 for students (12 and under). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dinner buffet begins at 7:30 p.m. and dancing at 8:15 p.m.

*Above photo by Dawn Sanborn Photography.