A St. Patrick's parade

The Irish are coming and there's no stopping them. Fans of both traditional and contemporary Irish music have plenty to choose from this St. Patrick's Day season, so grab a pint and start celebrating.

DROPKICK MURPHYS Boston's own Irish punk rockers are making their annual St. Patrick's stand, playing a week of shows on Lansdowne. Through March 17. Times vary. $29.50. House of Blues. 888-693-2583, www.hob.com/boston

A LITTLE BIT OF IRELAND The Harney Academy of Irish Dance, the Massachusetts Harp Ensemble, Irish comedians, fiddlers, and two-time world champion Irish step dancer Liam Harney (star of London's "Riverdance") are all part of the show. 7:30 p.m. March 13, 2 and 7 p.m. March 14, 2 p.m., March 15. $35-45, Robinson Theatre. 781- 891-5600. www.reagleplayers.com

THE CHIEFTAINS There are plenty of Irish music acts in town this weekend, but only one (that we know of) has recorded with Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Sting, and Tom Jones. That band is, of course, the Chieftains, and tonight, the beloved Celtic act plays a show at Symphony Hall. The performance should include plenty of fiddle, tin whistle, harp, bodhran, and even some Irish dancing. (Bodhran is an Irish drum, in case you didn't know.) Joining the band will be Alyth McCormack and Jeff White. 8 p.m. $37 to $58. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 617-482-6661. www.celebrityseries.org

A ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELTIC SOJOURN Hosted by Brian O'Donovan, this seasonal staple is now in its fourth year of putting local audiences in the mood for St. Paddy's Day. This year's guests include Irish singer Maura O'Connell, touring ensemble Lóchrann, the Celtic harp duo of Grainne Hambly and William Jackson, and Irish step dancers Geraldine Reidy and Donnacha Howard. (If you miss the Berklee performance, the show heads to the Hanover Theatre in Worcester at 5 p.m. on March 15). 8 p.m. March 14. $25-$45. Berklee Performance Center. 617-931-2000, www.wgbh.org/celtic

MIDATLANTIC This Boston/Dublin-based band is headlining a St. Paddy's-themed show featuring Boston bands that all claim at least one Irish member. 9 p.m. March 14. $9. Great Scott. 617-566-9014, www.greatscottboston.com

SEAMUS CONNOLLY Tamo Bar in the Seaport Hotel is hosting a free show featuring award-winning fiddler Seamus Connolly with Laurel Martin and Kevin McElroy. 9 p.m. March 13 and 14, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. March 16 and 17. Free. Tamo Bar. 617-385-4000, www.seaportboston.com

BELL X1 The Irish indie rockers whose new CD, "Blue Lights on the Runway," was released last month, have had songs featured on TV shows like "The OC" and "Grey's Anatomy." 7 p.m. March 17. $15. Paradise Rock Club. 617-562-8800, www.livenation.com

BLACK 47 After opening for the Dropkick Murphys over the weekend, Black 47 will be playing a live show for the WFNX morning show. 8:30 a.m. March 17. $15. The Black Rose. 617-742-2286, www.irishconnection.com

MATT AND SHANNON HEATON The couple bring their blend of traditional Irish music and original songs to the Beehive. 5 p.m. March 17. No cover charge. The Beehive.617-423-0069, beehiveboston.com

GASLIGHT ANTHEM This underground punk band will be jamming at the Creole/Irish bar Hurricane O'Reilly's, followed by tunes spun by WFNX DJs. 5 p.m. March 17. $10. Hurricane O'Reilly's. 617-722-0161, www.irishconnection.com

HOUSE OF PAIN UFC president Dana White is headed back to Boston to throw one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day parties in the city. The hip-hop group, fronted by Everlast, will rock the party for the first time since breaking up in 1996. Doors at 7 p.m. March 17. Invite only (win tickets on WJMN or WAAF). The Roxy. 617-338-7699, www.roxyplex.com

SAW DOCTORS The Irish roots rockers are celebrating their new live DVD and CD, largely recorded at the Cape Cod Melody Tent.8 p.m. March 17. $35. Showcase Live. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com