![\"St](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/02\/St-Patricks-Day-Chicago-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you aren\u2019t already familiar with Chicago history, there\u2019s a reason the Windy City has this massive bash on the most Irish day of the year. As soon as Chicago became an actual city, the place became a refuge for Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine of their home country. By 1850, less than 20 years after the city\u2019s founding, one-fifth of Chicago\u2019s residents were of Irish descent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the very first St. Patrick\u2019s Day parade was held in the city before that in 1843, commemorating the city\u2019s large Irish heritage. The parade originally led participants to St. Mary\u2019s Catholic Church for mass, all the way until 1896. The parade, for unknown reasons, ceased that year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1956, Mayor Richard J. Daley officially revived the tradition and the parade has been going strong ever since. Since 1956, the parade has been led by the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, a tradition that continues today. A handful of years later, in 1962, the tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green began, and had also continued since that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These two events are probably the most famous and most frequently experienced by visitors, but there\u2019s much more to St. Paddy\u2019s Day in Chicago. Other popular events and activities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dyeing of the Chicago River<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- St. Patrick\u2019s Festival<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Irish pub crawls<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shamrock\u2019n the Block<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to celebrate St. Paddy\u2019s Day in Chicago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"St](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/02\/St-Patricks-Day-Chicago-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDyeing of the River<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
My usual plan for St. Patrick\u2019s Day is to head to the dyeing of the river<\/a> about two hours before things kick off. Bring people to spend time with as you\u2019ll have a bit of a wait. You\u2019ll be able to \u201csave spots\u201d for each other throughout the day, though, as one or two of you dash off to use the bathroom, grab food, or other needed breaks from standing there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you head down early, you\u2019ll be able to snag a prime spot right on the river on the Chicago Riverwalk<\/a>. I like to hang out between the DuSable Bridge along Michigan Avenue or the FDR Bridge on Lake Shore Drive for the best views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to bring a coat, even if it\u2019s predicted to be warm, and wear comfortable shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save the date: <\/strong>For 2024, the dyeing of the Chicago River will take place on March 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"St](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/02\/St-Patricks-Day-Parade-Chicago.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPerhaps even more famous in Chicago is the annual parade. The main, official city parade always occurs on the Saturday before St. Patrick\u2019s Day if the holiday is any other day of the week. The parade kicks off at 12:30 each year, starting at Balbo and Columbus drives. The parade heads north on Columbus Drive going all the way to Monroe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the parade, I like to head to the start of the parade, especially if I\u2019m looking to bring home a haul of goodies from the giveaways. You\u2019ll also find the dancers and performers have more energy at the starting point of the parade, meaning you get a better show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bring a chair or prepare to stand for a while \u2014 the parade lasts a few hours with hundreds of groups from around the country (and even some international!) coming in to show off their Irish pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save the date: <\/strong>The parade will occur on March 16, 2024, rain, snow, or shine. Get Grandstand tickets at Eventbrite<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take a mobster tour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While we\u2019re at it, let\u2019s not forget the city\u2019s mobster history, predominantly run by Irish mobsters like Dean O\u2019Banion, Big Jim O\u2019Leary, or George \u201cBugs\u201d Moran. You\u2019ll hear about the rivalry between these guys and their rivals, like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Lester Joseph \u201cBaby Face\u201d Nelson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What better way to learn about that history than to take a mobster tour through Chicago<\/a>? Book early, though, as they\u2019ll fill up fast for the weekend and you might miss out otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBook This Tour<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTake a Chicago River cruise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/02\/Chicago-River-Cruise.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhether you hop on the specially themed Clover Cruise<\/a>, ride the Wendella Boats St. Paddy\u2019s Day Cruise<\/a>, or just grab a regular Chicago water taxi<\/a>, you\u2019ll have the thrill of a lifetime on the Chicago River. Making your way down the river is always an adventure, but there\u2019s something extra special when the city is alive with celebration \u2014 and the close-up of the vivid green water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again, be sure to get your tickets early as everything in Chicago sells out fast on St. Paddy\u2019s Day and all weekend long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Celebrate with a Green River<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m not suggesting you scoop up a cuppa the Chicago River and test your intestinal durability. No, I\u2019m suggesting you find some Green River soda to drink up. It\u2019s a sweet, lemon-y lime soda (more lime than lemon) made right here in Chicago. Often, you\u2019ll get a bottle of the beverage in the parade but shops around town carry them, too, if you can\u2019t snag one from the floats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head to other neighborhoods for amazing Irish eats and smaller crowds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Instead of trying to find a table at the overcrowded downtown restaurants on St. Paddy\u2019s weekend, hop on the El to hit up other neighborhoods for amazing food. Lincoln, Park Wicker Park, Wrigleyville, Lakeview, and Roscoe Village all offer some fantastic eats with fewer crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Play at the St. Patrick\u2019s Festival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you want to learn more about Irish history and enjoy all sorts of Irish American experiences, head to the Irish American Heritage Center<\/a>. You\u2019ll find the center wide open at 4626 N. Knox Avenue. The festival runs from midday to nighttime, with activities suited for all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enjoy performances from Irish dance troupes, singers, bands, and more. Let the kids play at some entertainment and activities just for them. Buy some Irish crafts, drinks, or food, or even participate in genealogy workshops, Irish language lessons, or other Irish heritage learning experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick an Irish pub crawl<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Irish](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/02\/Irish-pub-crawl-Chicago.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s one thing Chicago is never short on, it\u2019s Irish pubs. And that means you can either create your own crawl with friends or book an organized crawl with one of the many organizers in town. They\u2019ll take you around to the best Irish bars in the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tickets usually cover transit, admissions to the bars, and often some gift cards for each bar along the way. Additional drinks are on your tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snag a green beer at one of the many Irish pubs around town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t feel like doing a pub crawl, you\u2019ve still got the option of downing some flavorful green beer around the city. Many pubs open as early as 7 a.m. on St. Paddy\u2019s day, with green beer, traditional Irish food, Irish music, dancers, and much more all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the best Irish pubs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Lizzie McNeil\u2019s Irish Pub<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chief O\u2019Neill\u2019s Pub<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cork & Kerry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mrs. Murphy\u2019s and Sons\u2019 Irish Bistro<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lady Gregory\u2019s<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shinnick\u2019s Pub<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- O\u2019Shaughnessy\u2019s Public House<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Wolfhound Bar and Kitchen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Head to Old St. Pat\u2019s for Shamrock\u2019n the Block<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Head to Old St. Patrick\u2019s Church<\/a> at 700 West Adams Street for music, food, raffles, and many other festivities all themed on St. Paddy\u2019s Day. The festival runs from midday to late afternoon each year, on the Saturday before St. Patrick\u2019s Day, like the rest of the city\u2019s major activities. The main focus is going to be the live music, Irish dance performances, and the huge raffle with a $20,000 grand prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideally, buy your ticket ahead of time online. There are a limited number of tickets available at the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parking and transit for St. Patrick\u2019s Day in Chicago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whenever anyone comes to Chicago for a big event day, I always make these recommendations on parking, transit, and the like. You don\u2019t want to get stuck in the downtown traffic on the way in or out. Trust me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n