Ol' Saint Patrick himself would have a hard time getting into the new Kieran's Irish Pub next Wednesday -- it'll be that busy. Kieran Folliard's namesake bar will finally make its move to Block E the night before, just in time for St. Patrick's Day. To celebrate, Folliard is planning a mini-parade, which will carry the last pint served at the old Kieran's all the way to the new spot on 1st Avenue. Bagpipers, dancers and other surprises will announce its arrival.

"We're expecting a couple of leprechauns to show up," Folliard joked.

But like I said: We can't all fit in there. Have no fear. This guide to the green will provide you with plenty of ideas for getting your Irish on during one of the biggest pub days of the year.

Kieran's Irish Pub Party: The pre-St. Paddy's day parade to Block E starts around 3:30-4 p.m. on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the new pub (in the old Bellanotte space) has eight bands on two stages, plus a tent party on the patio. Expect big business at Folliard's other locations, too. The Liffey in St. Paul will be packed with paradegoers. The Local will have food specials, televised soccer games and Cities 97 broadcasting live. The new Cooper in St. Louis Park will have a full day of music.

Info: $5 after 2 p.m. 6th St. and 1st Av. N., Mpls. 612-339-4499. www.kierans.com.

O'Donovan's Party: In anticipation of the Twins' new ballpark, Dermot Cowley, left, is giving his downtown pub a slight remodeling with new floors, a new stage and a colorful new exterior. Everything should be finished by April. On Wednesday, expect the usual tent party with live music starting at noon. Cowley also owns Jake O'Connor's in Excelsior, which will have a full day of music, too.

Info: $5 cover after 4 p.m. 700 1st Av. N., Mpls. 612-317-8896. www.odonovans.com.

The Dubliner Party: The small St. Paul pub claims to have the longest-running St. Paddy's Day tent party. It'll have music on Tuesday night, then a full day of bands on Wednesday, headlined by Paddy Wagon.

Info: $5. 2162 W. University Av., St. Paul. 651-646-5551. www.thedublinerpub.com.

Kip's Pub Party: Looking to start early? I mean really early? Dave Ryan in the Morning begins broadcasting at 6 a.m. inside this St. Louis Park pub (with Black Eyed Peas ticket giveaways). Live music runs all day.

Info: $10 cover 4-10 p.m., $5 after 10 p.m. 9970 Wayzata Blvd., St. Louis Park. 952-367-5070. www.kipspub.com.

First Avenue Party: Keeping with tradition, the legendary rock club goes Irish for one day only with Boiled in Lead's 27th annual St. Patrick's Day concert. The world-gypsy-folk-rockers are joined by the Brass Kings, the Brass Messengers and the Minnesota Police Pipe Band.

Info: $10-$12. 7 p.m. 701 1st Av. N., Mpls. 612-332-1775. www.first-avenue.com.

Shamrock's Party: The owners of the Nook will celebrate all week long at their St. Paul pub (green beer, green Jell-O shots, green hair contest, etc.). Wednesday's tent party will have bands inside and out. Shuttles will take bargoers to the St. Paul parade from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Info: No cover. 995 W. 7th St., St. Paul. 651-228-9925. www.crshamrocks.com.

Paddy Wagon's Party: This Irish sports bar in Coon Rapids celebrates its first St. Paddy's Day with a family-friendly party from noon-3 p.m. (Irish musical chairs, Irish bango, a jig competition, costume contest, etc.). The Serfs and SnaggleToof play at night, with a costume contest for adults.

Info: 133 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW., Coon Rapids. 763-780-0500. www.paddywagonsmn.com.

O'Gara's Party: The Irish complex will have live music in three rooms, plus the "World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade." KQ92's Terri Traen is live from 3-5 p.m.

Info: 164 N. Snelling Av., Mpls. St. Paul. 651-644-3333. www.ogaras.com.

Keegan's Party: The Northeast pub will have its annual 80-foot-long tent out back.

Info: $5 after 4 p.m. 16 University Av. NE., Mpls. 612 252 0880. www.keeganspub.com.

Nomad World Pub Party: The West Bank music bar will once again host its Break the Seal Challenge (3 p.m.). Basically: Free beer until someone pees. Afterward, it's Irish trivia and seven bands playing Irish covers.

Info: 501 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. 612-338-6424. www.nomadpub.com.

thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909