St. Patrick's Celebration. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

St. Patrick’s Celebration. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

Evening of Jazz (Friday)—Up for a little free entertainment? The Lake Highlands High School Jazz Band has a treat for you. They present their annual Evening of Jazz Friday, with plenty of upbeat music to ease you into an uproarious weekend.“We have been working all semester,” says director Phil Alvarado, “and are excited to present 12 of our favorite pieces. The program includes a wide variety of music including swing, Latin, shuffle, funk and rock.” The jazz band has grown from 6 members to 14 in just one semester, he adds. The concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Lake Highlands Freshman Center auditorium.

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St. Patrick’s Parade and Dash Down Greenville (Saturday)—More than 100,000 people are expected to attend Saturday’s Dallas St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The parade, hosted by Greenville Avenue Area Business Association, begins at 11 a.m. at Greenville and Wellons to SMU Boulevard. Arrive early and stay late for the pre/post-parade activities. All proceeds go to the GAABA Scholarship fund. Participants are encouraged to take the DART. Check out dallasstpatricksparade.com for more. As always, the parade is free of charge.

The Dash Down Greenville 5K is almost full, so better sign up now. The run raises money for the North Texas Food Bank. It starts at 8 a.m. Register here.

Dallas Blooms (through April 10)—More than 500,000 spring-blossoming bulbs have burst at the Dallas Arboretum, and there are massive topiaries shaped like Texas. Basically, it’s an Instagrammer’s dream. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, dallasarboretum.org, 214.515.6500, $10-$15, plus $15 on-site parking.

 Silent Witness (through April 30)—See what White Rock Lake looks like through Kathleen Wilke’s eyes. The Dallas-based photographer, known for her underwater snaps, stayed on dry ground to create this series, which documents life at the lake.
It’s at the Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, 214.670.8749, bathhousecultural.com, and it’s free.

Hansel and Gretel (starts Friday)—You know the story. An elderly woman living in a house made of candy captures a brother and sister and attempts to fatten them up. This time its told by puppets and accompanied by the music of Engelbert Humperdinck. Not into puppets? Dena Dishes Dallas has a detailed write up that will make you rethink. Most appropriate for kids 4 and up. Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, 214.740.0051, dct.org, $22-26