Clover leaves a pot of gold and lucky horseshoe on grass as a 3D illustration

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s All About to Go Green!

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Clover leaves a pot of gold and lucky horseshoe on grass as a 3D illustration

Hope you’re ready for all the cultural celebrations taking place this weekend as it’s all about to go green!

A tradition since 1962, union members will be working their magic again this Saturday as they Dye the Chicago River a bright shade of green with a vegetable-based dye and kicking off the city’s St. Patrick Day celebrations.  The dyeing takes place between Columbus Drive and State Street beginning at 10 a.m.; however, the best views are from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus Drive and Fairbanks Court.

After viewing the dyeing of the Chicago River, it’s time to head on over to Grant Park for the city’s big St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrating its 68th year.  The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. from Columbus and Balbo Drives heading north to Monroe Drive.  The city’s premier Irish band, the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, will be leading the procession once again as they have been since the first official parade back in 1956.  Also, you’ll see plenty of colorful floats waving their Irish flags high, troops of Irish step dancers, marching bands, drum corps, and more!  So, don your best green outfit or kilt for one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country!! 

Dedicated to community, the South Side Irish Parade is the largest community-based parade outside of Ireland, and is a homegrown, family-friendly celebration of Irish heritage.  The procession of floats, dance troupes, bagpipes, and marching bands heads north on Western Avenue beginning at 103rd Street and ending at 115th Street this Sunday (12 p.m.-3 p.m.) in the Beverly neighborhood.  Come join thousands of fellow revelers at this long-time tradition!

Not to be out done, the Northwest Side Irish Parade gets in on the festivities too this Sunday at 12 p.m. in front of William J. Onahan School (6634 W. Raven St.) heading south on Neola Avenue then north on Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue in the Norwood Park neighborhood.  Afterwards, head to Zia’s Social (6158 N. Northwest Hwy.) for the official afterparty at 1 p.m. serving up an Irish buffet, drinks, and live entertainment!

Not ready to call it a day after the downtown parade?  Then head to the St. Patrick Fest 2023 taking place this Saturday (1 p.m.-11 p.m.) at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox Ave.) in the Albany Park neighborhood.  Enjoy one of the city’s biggest, family-friendly green celebrations packed with traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food and drink for purchase as well as children’s activities, and vendors selling Irish gifts.  The tradition continues at the best place to be for all things Irish!

If parades are not your kind of thing, then perhaps the Shamrock’n the Block is.  Hosting this annual pop-up Irish pub is Old St. Patrick’s Church (700 W. Adams St.) in the West Loop this Saturday (11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.).  This all-ages event features activities for kids (including shamrock craft packs), food, a heated tent beer garden, and live entertainment.  There’s also a Pot O’ Gold raffle taking place at this event with a first prize of $20,000, a second prize of $2,500, and a third prize of a 65” flat screen TV sponsored by Abt!  Plus, winners need not be present for the drawings!!  May the Luck of the Irish be with you!!! 

Finally, check out other Irish events such as bar crawls, river cruises, and other events taking place on this weekend of green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day!  Click here.

Have an Unforgettable Weekend Going Green!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago