THURSDAY


1. South by Southwest Conference & Festivals
The annual event continues this week in downtown Austin. SXSW Interactive ends Thursday, and the music portion of the festival runs until Sunday. Panel and speakers this past week have included former Vice President Joe Biden, who in a speech March 12 outlined the workings of his Cancer Moonshot program, which he said aimed to inject an “overwhelming sense of urgency” and change the “culture of how we approach this fight.”

For those who plan to catch the last few days of the festival, here are some stories with highlights and more information:

Continues through March 19. All day. Various costs. Various venues throughout Austin. 512-467-7979. www.sxsw.com


2. Rodeo Austin 
Daily ProRodeo events and nightly musical performances are scheduled at Rodeo Austin, which kicked off March 11.


Various times. $25-$175. Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Lane. 512-919-3000. www.rodeoaustin.com



FRIDAY


3. St. Patrick’s Day happenings 
Blocking off part of Rock Rose, Jack & Ginger’s celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with 82 beers on tap (including green beer), Irish and American comfort foods, live music on an outdoor stage, an Irish jig-off and bagpipes. The event is limited to guests ages 21 and older. 10 a.m.-2 a.m. $10 (cover charge begins at 1 p.m., price increases throughout the day). Jack & Ginger’s Irish Pub, 11500-B Rock Rose, Austin. 512-350-3738. http://jackandgingers.pub


An all-day festival that takes over Fourth Street in downtown Austin includes multiple venues, food tents and live music throughout the day. 6 a.m. (Kegs and Eggs), noon-midnight (street party), midnight-2 a.m. (Fado’s). $15 (ticket). Fado Irish Pub, 214 W. Fourth St., Austin. 512-457-0172. www.fadoirishpub.com/austin. [email protected]



SATURDAY


4. Rock + Read at The Domain
A family-friendly music and book festival with live performances, storytelling and prizes. In partnership with Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child and LiveMom.com, The Domain hosts local authors of children’s and young adult books for readings and book signing, including Susan Kralovansky, Emma Virjan, P.J. Hoover, Christina Soontornvat and Jessica Lee Anderson. The live music line-up includes performances by The Que Pastas, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, The Deedle Deedle Dees and others. 


2-5:30 p.m. Free. Domain II lawn, 3220 Feathergrass Court, Austin. 512-873-8099. www.thedomaininaustin.com



5. Austin Navy Week
The week is designed to give area residents an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. The event includes USS Constitution sailors, Navy divers and Navy explosive ordinance disposal teams, Navy band performances, visits to area schools and community service projects.


Continues through March 24. Various times and locations. 901-874-5804. http://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Austin