This weekend in Philly: St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Museum of Illusions debut, and more

Last chance: Magical mermaid divers at Adventure Aquarium
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Philadelphia
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Philadelphia Photo credit Kate Collins

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — This weekend in Philly: Grab a pint and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Philly after a two-year hiatus, check out more than 60 mind-bending exhibits at the new Museum of Illusions in Old City, or, don a dirndl or lederhosen for Munich’s second-largest beer festival, right here at home.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Irish dancers from the Caitrin Academy of Skippack, Pennsylvania perform during the 53rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade March 14, 2004 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo credit William Thomas Cain/Getty Images

EVENT: Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade

DATE/TIME: Sunday, 11 a.m.

WHERE: Route begins 16th and JFK, ends at Dock Street at Penn’s Landing

DETAILS: After a two-year hiatus, the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back with the theme “250 Years of Faith, Family Friendship and Heritage.” Watch different Irish heritage groups and dancers perform along the parade route and at Independence Mall.

PRICE: Free to watch

EVENT: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

DETAILS: Wear your best green attire and join Elmo and his friends for a jig and a buffet meal.

PRICE: $35.99 for adults, $15.99 for kids

EVENT: St. Paddy’s unWINED Weekend

DATE: Friday night through Sunday

WHERE: Shady Brook Farm,  931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley

DETAILS: Join Shady Brook Farm for three days of Irish music, food and more. Wear your best green look and listen to the sounds of different Irish bands.

PRICE: $8

Baby goats
Baby goats Photo credit iStock / Getty Images Plus

EVENT: Goat Walk and Watershed Talk

DATE/TIME: Saturday, 1 p.m.

WHERE: Philly Goat Project, 6336 Ardleigh St., East Germantown

DETAILS: The Philly Goat Project and Let’s Go Outdoors are teaming up to teach you all about the water systems at the farm at Awbury. Learn about why watersheds are important and how that relates to the goats.

PRICE: Free to attend

EVENT: Last chance for Adventure Aquarium’s Mermaids experience

DATE: Last day is Sunday

WHERE: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey

DETAILS: Mermaids charm visitors for the last time this weekend as the aquarium celebrates its 30th birthday. There will be mermaid-themed crafts, foods, face-painting and more.

PRICE: Included with admission

EVENT: Museum of Illusions opens

DATE: Grand opening on Saturday

WHERE: 401 Market St., Old City

DETAILS: View more than 60 mind-bending exhibits that will be sure to give your brain a workout. There are immersive rooms, optical illusions, holograms and more.

PRICE: Adults are $21.99, kids are $16.99

David Bowie
Pop singer David Bowie prepares to do some mileage with British Rail. Photo credit Smith/Express/Getty Images

EVENT: Bowie Bash

DATE/TIME: Thursday, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

WHERE: National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St., Old City

DETAILS: Enjoy cocktails and light snacks, provided by Tattooed Mom, as you explore the “Deconstructing Bowie” exhibit. There will be live music, a raffle, Bowie movies and more.

PRICE: $12 for adults, $8 for students

EVENT: Starkbierfest

DATE: Friday and Saturday

WHERE: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South St., Bella Vista

DETAILS: Besides Oktoberfest, Starkbierfest is the second-largest beer festival in Munich and another opportunity to wear a dirndl or lederhosen. Brauhaus Schmitz will be offering 15 of Germany’s strong beers, and there will also be live music.

PRICE: $15

Featured Image Photo Credit: Kate Collins