Everything you need to know about Dallas St. Patrick's Parade on Greenville Ave.

Even the luckiest leprechaun could use some pointers before hoisting a pint at the St. Patrick's parade down Greenville Avenue in Dallas. The parade is huge, see. It's a big, Irish drinking affair. And a traffic nightmare.

None of that should deter you from attending one of Dallas' best weekends of the year. Take these tips and meet us there:

The facts

The Dallas St. Patrick's Parade & Festival has been a tradition in Dallas for more than 30 years, and it usually draws more than 100,000 people. The free parade begins at 11 a.m. on Greenville Avenue at Blackwell Street, proceeds south on Greenville Avenue for 2 miles, and ends at SMU Boulevard.

Unspoken rules

This parade is one of Dallas' biggest drinking events. Most people drink responsibly and have a great time. Open containers are not allowed during Dallas' biggest day party of the year, but you can expect to see people drinking in public. Make your own judgment call here. Anecdotally, police are on-site to keep bad things from happening -- not to ruin the fun -- but that means you need to make good choices.

How do I get to the parade? 

If you plan to drive, get there early. Greenville Avenue will be impassable by car and parking lots will fill up quickly. If your local train station has a commuter lot, consider DART-ing to the festivities. The stations closest to the action are on the Red Line: Lovers Lane Station (Upper Greenville near the parade) and Mockingbird Station (walking distance to both Lower and Upper Greenville).

DART is running extra trains Saturday to accommodate crowds. The agency is also partnering with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Uber, so first-time app users can save $20 on their ride with the code "RIDESPD." Even if you're feeling lucky in all that green, remember to travel safely and responsibly.

Driving and parking? Consider this deal

At Depil Waxing Studio & Dallas Cigar (two side-by-side shops at Greenville and Caruth Haven), a $25 wristband lets you park, watch the parade, use their restroom from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. There will be a DJ and free soft drinks and snacks. Get more details here.

What do I wear?

Green, duh.

What do I drink? 

Green beer, duh. Here's how to make your own. Other suitable answers to this question include: green JELL-O shots, Guinness, Bailey's or anything that'll make you feel especially Irish spirited.

What else do I bring? 

A koozie for sweaty drinks. A disposable cup for on-the-go mixing.  Sunscreen. Comfy shoes for long walks between Greenville bars and house parties. Last year's beads.

After the parade, is the party over? 

No way. After you've collected your fair share of beads and swag from the floats, head south to Lower Greenville Avenue (that's the area past Mockingbird Lane) and join the rest of the party pedestrians going bar to bar. Many places, including Ozona Grill and Bar, Sundown at Granada and the Libertine, will have food and drink specials throughout the day, plus you're bound to stumble upon some live music.

See all the drink specials along Greenville Avenue:

Josh Abbott band is also slated to play at noon at Energy Square, near University Boulevard and Greenville Avenue. If you're more the type to play it by ear, don't be shy about meandering the neighborhood streets: Residents in Lower Greenville are known for hosting parties with an open invitation to meet new friends.

Tell me more about that new beer fest.

Brew Fest will have food trucks, ales available for purchase and a DJ. Find it from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Office Depot parking lot on the adjacent corner of Milton Street on Greenville Avenue.

Other special designated areas include the Mavs Corner at Greenville Avenue and Lovers Lane with Mavs Dancers, ManiAACs, Champ and Mavs Man from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; as well as the Family Place Family Zone (at the Meadows Building, on the southwest corner of Greenville Avenue and Milton Street), which is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature exhibitor booths, food trucks and activities for all ages.

Not going to the parade? 

You're missing out. But click here for a list of all our St. Patrick's-related stuff. There's lots more fun to be had at other events around town.

If you want to avoid the street closures near Greenville Avenue, mark these down:

• Closed at 9 a.m. March 14: Southbound Greenville Avenue from Blackwell to Yale Boulevard

• Closed at 10 a.m. March 14: Northbound Greenville Avenue from Yale Boulevard to Blackwell

• Caruth Haven, Southwestern, and University Boulevard will not close.

Sarah Blaskovich, Norma Cavazos, Ann Pinson, Tiney Ricciardi and Shannon Sutlief contributed to this story.