There's nothing quite like St. Patrick'due south Twenty-four hour period in Chicago, when Irish gaelic taverns fill up with revelers, cultural celebrations pop up in every corner of the city, and the Chicago River sparkles brilliant shades of emerald green.

The history of St. Patrick's solar day in Chicago goes back more than 175 years. Now a longstanding tradition, Chicago's Irish gaelic parade was first held in 1843 and became an official city consequence in the 1950s. The dyeing of the Chicago River was added in 1962, chop-chop becoming one of Chicago's most famous events.

Forth with the downtown festivities, Chicago's proud Irish heritage is besides on total brandish in our neighborhoods — from Beverly (a traditionally Irish enclave) to the Irish American Heritage Center most Albany Park.

Explore the top means to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago.

Chicago River dyeing

A Seadog boat cruises on the green river

Saturday, March 12, 2022
Begins at 10 a.m.
Chicago River betwixt State and Columbus
 The Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the globe. Typically held the Sabbatum before St. Patrick's Day (the same day every bit the downtown parade), this bucket-list outcome is a honey tradition that dates back over half a century.

The beginning fourth dimension the Chicago River was dyed green was in 1962, cheers to a suggestion from the local plumbers union. That offset river dyeing turned the waters greenish for nearly a month — nowadays, the color only lasts for a few hours. The plumbers marriage all the same holds the river-dyeing honors today, and their environmentally friendly dye formula remains a closely kept secret.

Be certain to get there early for a good view and to watch the union members working their magic from various boats. The river dying kicks off early on and always has lots of spectators lining the Chicago Riverwalk and bridges between State and Columbus. The brilliant green color merely lasts a few hours, so be certain to catch a glimpse and snap some photos before heading off to a local tavern to enjoy some green beer.

Chicago St. Patrick'south Solar day parade

St Patricks Day Parade Chicago

Saturday, March 12, 2022
Begins at 12:xv p.m.
Columbus Bulldoze between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive
 The annual Chicago St. Patrick'south Day Parade is one of the largest St. Patrick's 24-hour interval parades in the country and the centerpiece of the city's unforgettable St. Patrick's 24-hour interval celebrations.

Don your best greenish outfit or kilt and take hold of a good spot earlier the parade starts at noon. Y'all won't want to miss The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, the city'south premier Irish band, who have been leading the procession since the first official parade in 1956. You'll too see enough of colorful floats waving their Irish flags high, troops of Irish gaelic pace dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and more during the three-hour celebration.

Chicago River cruises

A Seadog boat cruises on the green river

Saturday, March 12, 2022
Admire the emerald light-green river from the all-time seats in the house. Chicago'south river cruises offering a one-of-a-kind perspective of the twenty-four hour period'due south festivities. Watch the waters turn green, enjoy themed cocktails, hear live bagpipe music, and wave at the thousands of spectators lining the river's banks.

  • St. Patrick's Day Clover Prowl from Chicago's Outset Lady
  • St. Patrick'southward Mean solar day Cruise from Wendella
  • St. Patty's Day Green River Cruises from Chicago Fireboat Tours
  • Architecture River Prowl from Shoreline Sightseeing
  • Green River Dyeing Cruise with Seadog
  • St. Patrick'due south Tiffin Cruise with Metropolis Experiences

Festive nutrient and beverage specials

Looking for some corned beef and cabbage? How almost the perfect pint of Guinness or a boozy Shamrock Shake? Perhaps yous want to go actually authentic with a plate of soda bread and colcannon? Well y'all're in the correct identify! Gloat St. Patrick's Day at 1 of the many restaurants and confined in the city that will be featuring an array of traditional fare and creative twists on classics. Thank you to Chicago's immigrant roots and robust Irish customs, finding Irish fare is like shooting fish in a barrel. The urban center'south restaurants e'er get all out with the food, and of course, drink specials.

Cheque out our circular-up of festive food and drink specials all around the city.

South Side Irish gaelic Parade

Lord's day, March 13, 2022
Begins at 12 p.m.
Western Avenue betwixt 103rd and 115th Streets
 A long-time tradition, the South Side Irish Parade is a homegrown, family-friendly commemoration of Irish gaelic heritage. Bring together the thousands of fellow revelers that assemble to watch the bands, dance troupes, and this year'south newly crowned parade queen.

The story goes that the first parade was organized past ii neighbors and all-time friends who idea the kids needed a way to celebrate St. Patrick'southward Day. The very kickoff parade marched downward Western Ave in 1981— and they go on the same route today.

After the parade, take some time to explore Chicago's Beverly neighborhood, ane of the city's longest-standing Irish communities. Stop inside one of the area's many neighborhood bars to raise a pint with the locals.

Northwest Side Irish Parade

Lord's day, March 13, 2022
Begins at 12 p.m.
Neola Artery to Northwest Highway
 Come bask this fun customs event that celebrates faith, family unit and Irish heritage. The Northwest Side Irish Parade kicks off at apex and winds through the Norwood Park neighborhood, beginning at William J. Onahan School running due south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway, then heading north on Northwest Highway up to Harlem Artery. Stay for an subsequently-party that includes a corned beefiness and cabbage dinner, cheesecake, beer, wine, soda, and live entertainment.

St. Patrick Festival at Irish gaelic American Heritage Center

Sunday, March thirteen, 2022
one – 11:30 p.thou.
Subsequently the downtown parade, head to the northwest side to visit the St. Patrick's Twenty-four hours Festival at the Irish American Heritage Centre  for 1 of the city's biggest, family unit-friendly celebrations. This festival is swell for kids and adults alike, and features traditional and contemporary Irish music and dance, Irish nutrient and drink for purchase, children's activities, and vendors selling Irish gifts. Entertainment includes the Academy of Irish gaelic Music, the Trinity Irish Dancers, Shannon Rivers, and more.