THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – IT’S TIME TO GO GREEN!
After two years of canceled events, St. Patrick’s Day is officially back in Chicago with some of the city’s most beloved, but not forgotten, St. Paddy’s traditions! It’s time to Go Green Chicago!
The centerpieces of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebrations return this Saturday with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and River Dyeing. The Chicago River dyeing has been a tradition since 1962. Representatives of the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pour dye into the Chicago River turning it a bright shade of green. This year’s dyeing will begin at 10 a.m. and takes place between Columbus Drive and State Street, so head to the Michigan Avenue bridge or grab a spot along the Riverwalk for the best views!
Afterwards, the city’s big St. Patrick’s Day Parade moves to Grant Park where you’ll see bagpipes, drum corps, Irish dancers and politicians at this festive procession celebrating its 67th year! Kick-off time is 12:15 p.m. at Balbo and Columbus Drives continuing north on Columbus Drive to Monroe Street with a viewing stand in front of Buckingham Fountain.
As you may or may not know, most of the St. Patrick’s events are for those 21+; however, families can celebrate too at the St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Bash at WhirlyBall (1825 W. Webster Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This bash features unlimited WhirlyBall, bowling, laser tag, and pop-up games! Plus, the Pivot Room will be providing a lunch buffet as well!!
The Wrigleyville neighborhood is at it again with not one bar crawl but two for this weekend’s St. Patrick celebrations. Check them out –
The Chicago Shamrock Crawl takes place this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Chicago’s biggest St. Pat’s party with 20+ bars participating. A ticket gets you admission, a free crawl t-shirt, breakfast, a gift card to use on the crawl and more! It’s time to celebrate the right way by taking over the Wrigleyville neighborhood at this one-of-a-kind event!!
The Wrigleyville Afternoon St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl takes place this Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. for those who prefer to sleep in on their day off. Tickets include admission, three free gift cards to use on the crawl, giveaways, and more at Wrigleyville’s best bars for some afternoon shenanigans!
Don your best green attire and get ready to shake your shamrocks aboard the St. Patrick’s Day Clover Cruise this Saturday from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (mornings sold out) at the Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Dock (112 E. Wacker Dr.) in The Loop. This experience includes a 2-hour river cruise, a live bagpipe performance, specialty Irish-themed cocktails and beer, a corned beef sandwich box from the Corned Beef Factory, a fun photo station with themed props, and festive décor to get you in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit! So, join your favorite leprechauns and raise a glass to the Irish – Sláinte!
Keep the festivities going later in the day at some of the Best Irish Pubs in Chicago! However, be sure to save some energy for Sunday’s parades both kicking-off at 12 p.m.: the South Side Irish Parade taking place on Western Avenue from 103rd Street to 115th Street in the Beverly neighborhood, and the Northwest Side Irish Parade beginning in front of the William J. Onahan School (6634 W. Raven St.) and going south on Neola Avenue, north on Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue in the Norwood Park neighborhood!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
