CHICAGO — Bagpipers and marching bands will take to the streets, Irish pubs will be filled with revelers and the Chicago River will once again be dyed green this weekend.
Here’s a roundup of 15 ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago this weekend:
The Chicago River Turns Green
10 a.m. Saturday
Just west of the Columbus bridge to the east of Orleans before Wolf Point
The Chicago River will once again turn green this weekend in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The dyeing process starts at 10 a.m. You can check out the iconic green river from Columbus, LaSalle and Orleans bridges and from Upper Wacker Drive. The Riverwalk will be closed 11 p.m. Friday-6 a.m. Sunday.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
12:30 p.m. Saturday
Starts at Balbo and Columbus Drives, proceeding north to Monroe Street
You can watch as marching bands, Irish dancers, bagpipers and more make their way through The Loop as part of the city’s 68th St. Patrick’s Day Parade. There will be security checkpoints across the parade route. Coolers, alcohol, camelbacks and personal water bottles will not be permitted along the route.
St. Patrick’s Fest
1-11 p.m. Saturday
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.
After the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, you can head over to the Irish American Heritage Center for live music, entertainment, food and drinks, shopping, crafts and more. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. You can buy tickets online. Children younger than 12 get in free and must be accompanied by an adult.
South Side Irish Parade
Noon-3 p.m. Sunday
Starts at 103rd Street and Western Avenue, proceeding south to 115th Street and Western Avenue
There will be bagpipers, marching bands and local community groups at this 45th annual parade. It’s the largest community-based St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Ireland, according to its website.
Northwest Side Irish Parade
Noon Sunday
Starts at William J. Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven St.
This tradition returns this weekend. Once the parade is over, there will be an after-party at Zia’s Social, 6158 N. Northwest Highway. You can get tickets at the door or buy them online.
‘Always Sunny’ Paddy’s Pub
Opens Friday and runs through March
Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave.
Replay Lincoln Park, an arcade bar known for its elaborate pop-ups, is transforming into Paddy’s Pub from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” The bar will host a flip cup tournament, trivia nights and a St. Paddy’s Day Bash. You can check out the schedule and buy tickets online.
Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Noon-2 p.m. Saturday
Starts at 53rd Street and South Oak Park
The Chicago Working Families’ Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns this weekend. It will help raise money for Get Behind the Vest, a memorial fund to provide bulletproof vest covers to Chicago police officers. Seventy-five businesses and community groups participated in the parade last year.
WhirlyBall St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Bash
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday
WhirlyBall,1825 W. Webster Ave.
You can enjoy WhirlyBall, bowling, laser tag and other pop-up games during this St. Patrick’s Day celebration for the family. There will also be a lunch buffet with pizza, pretzel bites, mini quesadillas, cookies and more. Tickets for $20-$30 are available online.
Irish American Heritage Center Concert
8-11 p.m. Friday
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.
This pre-St. Patrick’s Day concert with Jim Sullivan and Friends is becoming a tradition. Before the music, you can also stop by the pub for drinks and Friday night Fish Fry starting at 6:30 p.m.
River North St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
8 a.m.-noon Saturday
155 W. Kinzie St.
You can bar crawl just steps away from the green river and St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Participating bars include Tree House, Tunnel, Hubbard Inn, Underground, House of Blues and more. Last-minute general admission tickets for $75 are available online. Your ticket gets you admission into the bars, four $5 gift cards to use on the crawl, giveaways and more.
Wrigleyville Shamrock Crawl
8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
3506 N. Clark St.
Crawl around to more than 20 bars, including Old Crow, Moe’s Cantina, HVAC, Lucky’s, The Sandlot, Cubby Bear, Brickhouse Tavern, Lucky Strike and Sluggers. You can buy tickets for $60-$70 online. Tickets get you admission into participating bars, a free crawl T-shirt, breakfast, a gift card and more. You can pick up you goodies between noon-8 p.m. Friday at River North’s Tunnel, 151 W. Kinzie St.
Irish Film Festival Screenings
Various times through March 12
This 24th annual festival honors and showcases short, documentary and feature films created by Irish filmmakers. You can check out virtual screenings of some films through Sunday. The schedule and tickets are available online.
Shamrock’n The Block
11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday
Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams St.
There will be music, food, a Pot O’ Gold raffle and other festivities at this St. Paddy’s Day celebration in the church’s parking lot. Online ticket packages are sold out, but a limited amount of general admission tickets will still be sold at the door.
St. Patrick’s Day At Gallagher Way
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St.
You can enjoy live Irish music, Irish dance lessons, face painting, magicians, balloon artists, green beer and more at this family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Wicker Park Bar Crawl
4:15-8:15 p.m. Saturday
1200 N. Damen Ave.
You can bar crawl along Wicker Park’s Division Avenue this weekend. Tickets are $25 online. They include admission to participating bars and an after party, drink specials, beads and sunglasses. The bar schedule will be sent to you on the day of the crawl.
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