WHAT’S HAPPENING: March 14th-16th

CAPE FEAR (WWAY) — From shamrocks and pots of gold to global cultures and barbecue, there’s something for everyone happening across the Cape Fear this weekend.

The 24th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Wilmington. The parade will travel down Front Street, starting at Brunswick Street and ending at the review stand at Front and Market streets. This year’s grand marshal is longtime community volunteer Pat Naughton. Standard Saturday parking rates will apply.

Also on Saturday, the University of North Carolina Wilmington will host its annual Intercultural Festival at the Burney Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event celebrates global cultures through performances, international cuisine and cultural displays representing more than 30 countries. The festival is free and open to the public.

If you’re looking to shop with purpose, the Upscale Resale & Design Challenge will take place at Hotel Ballast. The event, benefiting Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, challenges designers to transform thrifted items into stylish decor. A VIP preview party is set for Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., and the public event runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5, and all showcased items will be available for purchase.

Food lovers can head downtown for the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at Riverfront Park on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. The festival features all-you-can-taste samples of drinks and barbecue, along with games, live music and the return of the popular Shrine of Swine. VIP ticket holders can enter starting at noon.

Whether you’re wearing green, shopping for a cause or celebrating world cultures, this weekend offers fun for the whole family in the Cape Fear.