Howard County-ians, Irish you an early happy St. Patrick’s Day! While Dublin, Ireland, is more than 3,000 miles away — and a seven-hour flight if traveling from Washington Dulles International Airport — that’s not stopping county restaurants, businesses and residents from celebrating this beloved annual affair.

Remember to rock your best green apparel on Tuesday so you don’t get pinched. Here’s a glimpse at the many St. Patrick’s Day events happening through March 18.

St. Patty’s Karaoke Party

9 p.m. Friday

It’s Friday night, so you know what that means: weekly karaoke at the Trolley Stop. But this week comes with a twist — it’s St. Patrick’s Day-themed, complete with themed beverages.

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Don’t forget to grab a bite between tunes and wear green.

Irish music and history at the B&O station museum

Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday

Step out on Main Street in Ellicott City this Saturday in your best Irish outfit and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Kick things off by visiting the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, where traditional Irish music performances begin at noon, and be sure to swing by again at 2 p.m. for a special presentation on the history of Irish railroad workers.

Keep an eye out for special deals from businesses up and down Main Street all afternoon, and find which ones are participating in the lucky duck game. Purchase an item from any participating store for a chance to win prizes.

Nature ShamROCKS!

2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday

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The Robinson Nature Center is transforming into a rainbow-filled St. Patrick’s Day wonderland this weekend. Kids ages 4 to 8 can spend their Saturday afternoon hunting for golden rocks, watching a puppet show and making their own rainbows and natural clovers.

Tickets, $29 each, cover admission for one child and one adult.

OEC St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

2 to 7 p.m. Sunday

Legally aged imbibers can head back to Old Ellicott City for a festive bar crawl beginning Sunday afternoon. Guests are encouraged to start at The Wine Bin, where a purchase of a discounted drink gets 30 free minutes of axe throwing at AxGard. After some throws, continue the crawl at other Main Street spots like La Palapa Grill & Cantina, Phoenix Upper Main, Judge’s Bench pub, Manor Hill Tavern, Umi Sushi, Georgia Grace Cafe, Ellicott Distilling Co., the Trolley Stop and The Bibliopub at Backwater Books.

The Hooligans St. Patrick’s Day celebration

5 to 8 p.m. Sunday

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The Hooligans, an Irish band “with a heavy emphasis on the ‘-ish,’” are back to help Reckless Shepherd Brewery ring in another St. Patrick’s Day. Expect to hear high-energy sing-alongs and Irish pub classics as the band brings a nontraditional feel to traditional Irish folk music. Attendees must be 21 years or older.

St. Pat’s Week at Kelsey’s

8 a.m. Tuesday

Walk into Kelsey’s restaurant any day of the week and it feels like St. Patrick’s Day. Traditional Irish music blares from the speakers, and there’s even an electronic countdown to the holiday. So it’s no surprise that when St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, Kelsey’s makes it a weeklong celebration. This year’s festivities end with a special 8 a.m. kegs and eggs event that goes well into the night with live music (both indoors and outdoors) and bagpipers. Early birds can enjoy Irish coffees until 10 a.m.

Bain 50+ Center’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

11 a.m. to noon Tuesday

Head over to the Bain 50+ Center to listen to some Irish tunes by Tuesdays at Two. Guests can enjoy refreshments in the lobby. Don’t forget to wear green and bring a good luck charm!