Wabasha, Minn.

Birding fans will flock to southern Minnesota this month for the Soar With the Eagles Festival to watch bald eagles nest and hunt along the Mississippi River. The event, held today and continuing Saturdays and Sundays through March 31 at the National Eagle Center, features speakers, exhibits, art and more. Also, interactive programs highlighting birds and other live animals will be held at the St. Felix School auditorium and nearby sites. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 veterans, $7 for ages 4-17 (nationaleagle­center.org; 1-877-332-4537).

Grand Marais, Minn.

Join or watch sled dog races during the Dog Days of Winter, next Sun. along the Gunflint Trail. Mushers will lead four-, six- and eight-dog teams at 11 a.m. on treks of 3 to 23 miles, and classic and skate skiers can try skijoring with one or two dogs at 2 p.m. on 2- and 5-mile routes on Poplar Lake. Entry fees $10-$40 (tinyurl.com/jsgw86a).

New London, Wis.

Irish music, food and fun await visitors to the annual St. Patrick's Day Grand Parade and Irish Fest March 18-23 in New London, Wis., which is temporarily redubbed New Dublin for the occasion. Throughout the week festivalgoers can enjoy daily food specials, a Finnegan's wake and other entertainment. Eager spectators will line downtown streets at 1 p.m. Saturday to watch the state's largest St. Patrick's Day parade with more than 100 units including marching and bagpipe bands and floats. Also Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Irish Fest will feature live bands, ethnic food and fun held under the Big Top at the Festival Foods parking lot; $5 (newdublin.com; 1-920-809-2361).

Colleen A. Coles