It’s a long way to go until St. Patrick’s Day, but there’s no reason you have to wait until March 17 to embrace your Irish side.

The Irish Fair of Minnesota offers three days of fun-filled, family-friendly happenings, including everything from a parade of native Irish dogs and a Gaelic sports area to a children’s tent and tea room.

A highlight of the free festival is its impressive roster of Irish music and dance, which includes dozens of live performances. Some of those performers are Gaelic Storm (Friday-Saturday); Eileen Ivers (Saturday-Sunday); The High Kings (Saturday-Sunday); Derek Warflied & The Young Wolfe Tones (Sunday); Wild Colonial Bhoys (Friday-Saturday); Socks in the Frying Pans (Friday-Saturday); the Tim Malloys (Friday-Sunday); the Sweet Colleens (Saturday); Tom Dahill and Ginny Johnson (Friday); Hounds of Finn (Saturday), Locklin Road (Sunday); the Eddies (Saturday); Northerly Gales (Friday and Sunday); and the HiBs (Friday and Sunday).

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Easter Rising, which will be remembered throughout the Irish Fair of Minnesota with speakers, musicians and displays.

IF YOU GO

What: Irish Fair of Minnesota

When: 3-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14

Where: Harriet Island, St. Paul

Cost: Free

Information: irishfair.com