Today. LoDo will be shamrockin’ at the 49th annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bring folding chairs and settle in as the giant lineup features dozens of floats, hundreds of marchers and loads of music, all in celebration of the Emerald Isle. (Don’t forget to wear green, or brace for a few friendly gibes.) As always, the Queen Colleen will reign over the parade: 2011’s queen, Keriyan O’Donnell, is a senior at Colorado State University who is studying animal science. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Blake and 27th streets, continues on Blake to 17th Street, then runs west to Wynkoop Street and toward Coors Field. Free. . Kathleen St. JohnReal scratch cooking
Today. “Quesadilla Camp” at the Plains Conservation Center, an outdoor education facility and state-designated natural area, is a chance for youngsters to prepare a meal the same way pioneers might have more than a century ago. Participants will turn flour into tortillas, milk into “Mexican mozzarella,” and tomatoes into salsa during this hands-on cooking workshop recommended for kids ages 8 and up. 1-3 p.m. Reservations required. The price is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora. or 303-693-3621. Elana Ashanti JeffersonMardi Gras bash, gratis
Today. JanSport, the ubiquitous outdoor gear company, teams up with the Independent College Bookstore Association to host a free Mardi Gras bash at Boulder’s Fox Theatre, featuring Ian Neville’s New Orleans funk band DumpstaPhunk. This show is the result of a national contest in which college towns competed to host “the year’s biggest block party.” The Broderick opens. 8:30 p.m. 1135 13th St., Boulder. Elana Ashanti Jefferson
