Calendar compiled by Taylor Adams, News Staff

Event of the Week: Ah, Boston in the time of St. Patrick. Mark well the week of the 17th (We here at The News most certainly do, next week’s issue will be out that day rather than Thursday), not to mention the parade on Sunday March 14 in Southie. Not sure how to celebrate? Taking a page from the book of hometown Irish punk heroes the Dropkick Murphys couldn’t hurt; the band is playing a whole slew of shows this week (From March 12 to 17) to celebrate the holiday, as well as the release of their new album “Live on Lansdowne.” They will, of course, be rocking the House of Blues on Lansdown St. across from Fenway Park. Doesn’t get much more Boston than that.

Thursday,
March 11

What do a police thriller and family comedy have in common? In this case, both of them are set on a certain beautiful island in the North Atlantic and can be seen for free at the Icelandic Film Festival at the Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge. “Country Wedding,” screening at 6:15, is a quirky romp through the countryside with a group of hapless lovers. “Reykjavik Rotterdam,” screening at 7:45 p.m; was Iceland’s submission for the foreign language Academy Award this year and is a suspenseful crime thriller. Whether you come for one are both, it’s a night of free foreign film that is bound to be full of surprises. 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge.; 6:15 p.m.; Free; 617-499-1996.

Friday,
March 12

Opera punks. The two concepts might not seem the type to be so easily married, but the actor-singers putting on a production of Alexander Zemlinsky’s “Der Zwerg” (The Dwarf) on March 11, 12 and 13 use that very term to refer to themselves. Perhaps it’s because of their company OperaHub’s commitment to putting on accessible performances of compelling operas with, in this case, an updated setting and references to current culture (this year is, after all, their “Pretzels and Beer season,” according to the website). The other thing that’s accessible about this tale of “love and disillusionment:” tickets are free with RSVP to the address below. Shows are held at the Boston Center for the Arts’ Plaza Black Box Theatre. 539 Tremont St.; 8 p.m.; Free [email protected].

Saturday,
March 13

The Boston Center for the Arts almost always holds compelling  events at its nearby space on Tremont Street in the South End. One of the more affordable, and more eclectic, offerings is their overheard/underground series, which features inventive artists in the genres of folk, classical, and experimental music. On Saturday, the show will include performances by David Daniell and Doug McCombs, Pairdown and Glenn Jones. Their hard-to-classify sounds will range from jazz to blues to steel-guitar-driven melodies – and some things in between, but why not find out yourself? The series continues on March 14 with more artists. 539 Tremont St.; 7 to 10 p.m.; $10; 617-426-5000.

Sunday,
March 14

If you’re worn out after the raucous excitement of the St. Patty’s parade and want to enjoy some noise of a different variety, head to the weekly Sunday movie night at the trendy, laid back Other Side Cafe for a free screening of the music documentary “Under the Great White Northern Lights,” which follows rockers The White Stripes on their 2007 Canadian tour. If the film isn’t enough, you can purchase some eats or beverages from the venue (they have excellent juevos rancheros). You could also enter to win a bunch of Stripes paraphanalia. 407 Newbury St.; 10 p.m.; Free; 617-536-8437.

Monday,
March 15

An event for ardent dog lovers, and those who love to laugh at them: the Coolidge Corner Theatre is screening the competitive dog-show mockumentary “Best in Show” (by Christopher Guest of “This is Spinal Tap” fame) with a talk by veterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman. The speaker has become world-renowned in the veterinary community for studying man’s best friend, and before the film will be talking about the “sometimes curious bond between people and their dogs.” Sorry you couldn’t bring your pooch to the theatre? He or she will understand, especially if you bring back one of the doggie treats the Polka Dog Bakery, a “treat boutique” for canines, will be raffling off at the screening. 290 Harvard St., Brookline.; 7 p.m.; $9.75, $7.75 for students; 617-734-2500.

Tuesday,
March 16

Been spending a bit too much time at the food court and off that other court (or field, ice or whatever else)? The Northeastern Nutrition Club is hosting a talk by sports nutritionist and best-selling author Nancy Clark, who has worked with Olympic athletes and – closer to home – players from the Boston Red Sox and Bruins. If you want to know how the pros eat to stay in shape one and off the job, it sounds like a good place to start. The flier says: “Come with questions!” 260 West Village F; 6:30 p.m.; Free; [email protected].

Wednesday,
March 17

Fans of the Boston-based cult-crime hit “Boondock Saints” take notice. The film, about gun-slinging Irish vigilante brothers, is currently out and about on its 10th anniversary tour, appropriately stopping by Boston on the 17th for a party at the Paradise Rock Club. How exactly does a film “tour?” It’s a good question, but “Saints” will be backed up with an appearance by writer/director Troy Duffy and various cast members, as well as music by a handful of bands and comedy by Bob Marley. The event is 18+. 967 Commonwealth Ave.; 6 p.m.; $20.; 617-562-8800.