Chicagoland takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously! With a rich Irish history and culture, the city goes all out, often celebrating the Irish-American holiday all week long.
Perhaps the most iconic part of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is the annual river dyeing, a process where members of the Plumbers Local 130 UA union board boats and dye the Chicago River a vibrant emerald green using eco-friendly dye. Following the river dyeing ceremony, a festive downtown parade features floats, marching bands, traditional Irish dancing and more.
If you travel to the south side of the city, you’ll find lively festivities in Beverly, one of Chicago’s proudest Irish neighborhoods. The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest community-based St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Ireland and tons of fun for families of all ages.
On the northwest side in Norwood Park, a smaller annual parade keeps the festivities going. This year, the Northwest Side Irish Parade will celebrate the day with its 21st parade.
Read on to learn more about attending each of these festive celebrations with kids, and find even more parades and kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events in Chicagoland.
This article was written on March 5, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. Her work included her research such as fact checking and reaching out to parade hosts, aligning with Chicago Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade & River Dyeing
- Date: Saturday, March 16
- Time: River dyeing at 10 a.m.; Parade at 12:15 p.m.
- Parade route: Columbus Drive, between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive
- Cost: Free
Don your favorite green threads and head downtown to enjoy Irish pipe bands, colorful floats, Irish step dancers and more! The parade lasts about three hours. This year’s theme is “Mental Health Essential.”
Tips for attending the downtown parade with kids
- We all know that parking downtown can be tough. Skip the hassle by taking public transit. Metra typically runs extra trains during St. Patrick’s Day weekend; check their website for the latest schedule changes.
- Stake out a spot on Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus Drive and Fairbanks Court for the best views of the river dyeing. The lower level of the riverwalk will be closed.
- Public restrooms are typically available in Metra train stations, the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and larger stores and chain restaurants.
- Snag the perfect seat by purchasing VIP Grandstand Seating. The $65 ticket includes access to VIP restrooms and a seat at Congress Parkway and Columbus Drive. The deadline for VIP tickets is 8 a.m. March 15.
- Get out of the crowd and enjoy the parade from different vantage points. Many downtown hotels offer food and drink packages that come with bird’s eye views of the festivities. Or, book a river cruise and float down the emerald green river!
South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Date: Sunday, March 17
- Time: 12 p.m.
- Parade route: Western Avenue, between 103rd and 115th streets
- Cost: Free
Join the Beverly community for the 46th annual South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade — the largest community St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Ireland! This parade lasts approximately two hours and features marching bands, festive floats and traditional Irish dancers.
Tips for attending the South Side parade with kids
- Take public transit and avoid the hassle of parking. The Rock Island Line 103rd Street/Beverly Hills and 111th Street/Morgan Park stations are within walking distance of the parade route. Metra typically runs extra trains during St. Patrick’s Day weekend; check their website for the latest schedule changes.
- Western Avenue will be closed from 99th to 119th streets from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Stop by Beverly Evangelical Covenant Church for bathrooms, free snacks, a space to feed or change infants or just to take a break from the hectic parade day. The comfort station will be open from 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
- While stopping into a neighborhood tavern and ordering a green beer or beverage is part of the St. Patrick’s day fun, there is a zero-tolerance policy for open alcohol or drunken behavior at the parade.
Northwest Side Irish Parade
- Date: Sunday, March 17
- Time: 12 p.m.
- Parade route: The parade starts at 6634 West Raven St and Neola Avenue and heads south to Northwest Highway, then north to Harlem
- Cost: Free
If you’re looking for a St. Patrick’s Day parade that’s on the calmer side, the Northwest Side Irish Parade is perfect for your family. While still a festive celebration of Celtic and Gaelic customs, the parade is much smaller than the other two city parades. Enjoy Irish food, dancing, music and more throughout the Norwood Park neighborhood.
Tips for attending the Northwest parade with kids
- Keep the fun going at Zia’s Social, a neighborhood bar and restaurant that will be hosting Irish music, dancers, food specials and green beer all day long.
Find even more kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events in Chicagoland.
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