And so begins the eleventh week of 2009. Sacramento continues to surprise us with great events all week long!

Week 11: March 17-24, Check out:

Tuesday: Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

There is a day full of festivities in celebration of St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. Don your green garb and join the fun! 100.5 The Zone will be broadcasting live at Brew it Up  on 14th and H Street. Enjoy Celtic & Irish music all day with dining & drinks specials starting at 11:00am. Live music by Mother Mayhem will begin at 9:00pm and you may even catch a glimpse of the Jameson and SoCo girls while you're there! Be sure to head down to Old Sacramento for the 13th Annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Old Sacramento. The parade starts at 6:00pm but check out the pre-parade entertainment starting at 4:00pm. Then, Get Your Irish Up! with a block party at De Vere's Irish Pub and MIX downtown. L Street will be closed between 15th and 16th Streets. This is an all day event starting at 10:00am featuring: Irish bagpipes, Gaelic dancers, classic Irish food, full bars serving fine Irish whiskey, and over 30 beers on tap. Music by Tainted Love will begin at 8:00pm. Get your tickets today for $20 at De Vere's or MiX. Call (916) 231-9947 for more info. There will also be plenty of specials and entertainment around town. Some participants include: Streets of London, Golden Bear, Marilyn's on K, Capitol Dawg, Cosmo Cafe, Bistro 33 Midtown and many others!

Wednesday: Broker's London Dry Gin Mixology Competition

Come to the Lounge on 20 to witness this bartending showdown! Ten of the Sacramento's most creative and talented mixologists (aka bartenders) will be competing to make the "Best" cocktail. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 winners. Onlookers and fellow cocktail connaisseurs can enjoy a specialty priced cocktail menu all night (including $5 Broker's Gin cocktails) along with a Broker's Gin tasting table. The doors open at 5:00 and the competition begins at 6:00pm so get there early! Lounge on 20 is located at: 1050 20th Street, Suite 100 (20th & K). (916) 443-6620

Thursday: Crocker Cinematique: The Cup

Explore your understanding of Buddhism with this special evening! Sponsored by the Crocker Art Museum, the Cinematique program features films reflective of current exhibits at the museum. The most current exhibit is Buddha which runs through April 19th. The Cup is a film about the challenges of the Lama, head of the monastery, in teaching the word of Buddha in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Maria Jaoudi, Professor of Humanities and Religious Studies at Sacramento State, will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterward on the spiritual dimensions, concerns and values of Buddhism portrayed in the film. Held at the Sierra 2 Center, Curtis Hall at 2791 24th Street. Free with admission to the Museum. Call (916) 808-1182 for reservations (required). If you haven't seen the exhibit yet, pre-screening tours of  Buddha will begin at 5:45pm at the Crocker Art Museum.
 

Friday: Sacramento State Festival of the Arts

Sponsored by the Sacramento State School of the Arts, this event features various media and artists showcasing their talents. There will be performances and shows to include jazz, theater and dance, poetry and lectures. The event begins Wednesday, March 18 and continues through Saturday, the 21st. Many of the events are free, others range from $8-$15. On Friday, Check out: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, put on by the Department of Theatre and Dance. Show starts at 8pm and costs $15 General Admission, $12 Students/Seniors, $10 Children (although recommended for teens and up). Held in the Capistrano Hall at Sac State, 6000 J Street. (916) 278-5155 
 

Saturday: Journee de la Francophonie

French language isn’t just for Parisians! The Alliance Française de Sacramento is hosting this fun filled day to celebrate the languange and culture of the French speaking peoples across the globe. Take a trip around the world in one day with dancing, movies and lectures for the whole family to enjoy. $5 for non-members, $2 for members, children 14 and under are free. The Alliance Francaise de Sacramento is located at 1721 25th Street. (916) 453-1723

 

Sunday: Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

If you are one of those people who never really understood the notoriety of the prose and productions of William Shakespeare, the Sacramento Theatre Company has got the play for you. This abridged version of Shakespearian works is performed by three actors who humorously perform all 37 of Shakespeare's plays in less than 2 hours! Acclaimed as “wildly funny” by the Los Angeles Times and “the funniest show you are likely to see in your entire lifetime” by the Montreal Gazette. Lovers of Shakespeare alike will undoubtedly find this show equally entertaining. Prices range from $15-$46. Sacramento Theatre Company is located at 1419 H Street. For tickets visit the box office or call (916) 443-6722.

Monday: Strong Women, Powerful Financial Strategies Seminar

In honor of Womens History month, Ameriprise Financial is holding this special financial workshop geared towards women at Borders Bookstore of Sacramento. As per their website, "The rules of financial planning are different for women. This informative seminar will focus on how you can: Gain control over your finances, make informed financial decisions and protect the people and things you love the most." This is a free event. The seminar begins at 7:00pm so get there early to reserve your space! Located at 2339 Fair Oaks Boulevard.

Find these events and many more Sacramento events at Sacramento365.com.