New York takes St. Patrick's Day seriously. This Wednesday is the day to celebrate the religious and historical significance of St. Patrick, the culture of Ireland, strong ale, and great Irish music.

Of course, you'll have to deal with crowds of drunken revelers in cardboard leprechaun hats roaming the streets of Manhattan, but that's just the price you have to pay.

St. Patrick's Day in New York To-Do List

• Attend the New York St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Check out a St. Patrick's Day concert, party, or cultural event
• Visit one of New York's best Irish pubs

Image: Michael Nagle/Getty Images

St. Patrick's Day is on Wednesday, but you can start celebrating this weekend with a walking tour of Irish New York, an Irish music extravaganza, a free day of Irish culture, or Part 1 of an epic pub crawl. Other weekend picks include new exhibits at the Japan Society and The Jewish Museum.

• Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters -- The Japan Society's new exhibit (opening on Friday) highlights the work of 19th-century Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi and his enormous influence on manga and anime. You can also sign up for a 2-hour drawing workshop with Hiroki Otsuka, Japan Society's Mangaka-in-Residence. Admission is $12, $10 for seniors and students.

• St. Patrick's Weekend Irish New York Walking Tour -- Join an expert tour guide from Big Onion Tours for a walk through the former Little Ireland on Saturday afternoon. Join the tour for $15, $12 for seniors and students.

• World's Largest St. Patty's Day Pub Crawl -- It's 3 days, 5 miles, and more than 100 pubs -- starting this Saturday at 11AM . All bars will sell $1 draft beers, $2 bottled beers, $3 well drinks, and $4 Jameson shots.

• All-Star Irish Rock Revue -- Hear top NYC musicians perform the songs of Ireland's greatest -- including U2, Van Morrison, and The Pogues.

• Irish Arts Center Open House -- Every year, the Irish Arts Center celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a day of Irish culture for the whole family. This Sunday, enjoy Irish music, dance, Irish language workshops, films, and more. Admission is free.

• Curious George Saves the Day -- This new exhibit at The Jewish Museum is a celebration of that iconic monkey Curious George and his creators, Margret and H.A. Rey. The exhibit opens on Sunday, March 14 and admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7.50 for students. Members and kids under 12 get in free.

Spring is in the air, so why not celebrate with some free frozen yogurt?

Pinkberry is launching a new mango flavor and hosting a special Mad About Mango Happy Hour at all NYC Pinkberry stores on Friday, March 12 from 5 to 8 pm.

Get a free 3 oz mini serving of Pinkberry's mango or mango swirl with all of the toppings that can fit in your cup. You'll also find music, in-store games, and giveaways.

Come back and post your review of the new mango flavor after you've devoured your free sample.

NYC Frozen Yogurt

• Pinkberry NYC Locations
• Red Mango NYC Locations
• Pinkberry vs. Red Mango

Marvel at the world's most exotic and awe-inspiring orchids at The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. The show's theme for 2010 is "Cuba in Flower."

Cuban-born designer Jorge Sanchez has recreated Old Havana and the Cuban countryside right here in New York City. You can even pick up an exotic beauty (an orchid, that is) to brighten up your NYC apartment.

The Orchid Show 2010
When: February 27 through April 11, 2010
Where: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Parkway (exit 72) and Fordham Road
Getting There: Take the B, D or 4 train to Bedford Park Boulevard Station. Take Metro-North Railroad to Botanical Garden Station (about 20 minutes from Grand Central Terminal).
Admission: Free for members. For nonmembers: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors/students, $8 for children (children under 2 are free).