St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest holidays to celebrate in Chicago, which has deep Irish roots. I have distant memories of celebrating with green beers and shots of Jameson, terrible fashion choices with shirts that said “These are your lucky charms,” and other ridiculous things that are part of my foggy memory. And while Chicago has been in party mode since they dyed the river green on Saturday, it’s not officially St. Paddy’s Day until this Friday, March 17!
Even though you’ve become a responsible adult with kids, it doesn’t mean you have to throw your party pants away quite yet. Here are a few fun activities to keep the celebrations going.
Mrs. Murphy’s Midweek Irish Music Party
This is a reoccurring event at Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro, but with the holiday in full swing it’s sure to be a happy-go-lucky time. Hosted by Sean Cleland, Jesse Langan and Jackie Moran along with the Irish Music School of Chicago, this is an ideal event for older kids with a keen interest in music, specifically, Irish music. So “Come Play Along, Tap Along, Hop Along, and Sing-Song!”
Wednesday, March 15, 8-10 p.m.
3905 N. Lincoln Ave.
Little Leprechauns Parent/Child Program at Cantigny Park
Take a trek to Wheaton for some Irish shenanigans. Gather your wee lads and lasses for a day of stories, crafts and Irish treats courtesy of Cantigny Park in Wheaton. This program is aimed for children 3-5 years of age. Admission is $10 per child and registration is required.
Thursday, March 17, 10-11 a.m.
1s151 N. Winfield Rd.
Barrington Celtic Fest
McGonigal’s Pub in Barrington is hosting their 7th annual Celtic Fest! Starting on Thursday, this three-day festival will take place on the 200 block Park Avenue, just East of South Cook Street. Enjoy live music, local restaurants and merchants, various entertainment including Irish dancers, bagpipers, special guest appearances, and, of course, plentiful food and drinks. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend during the daytime hours. Admission is free, but donations requested for the American Cancer Society.
Thursday, March 16-Saturday, March 18
105 S. Cook St.
Old St. Patrick’s Luncheon Mass and Celebration
Let’s not forget the holiday’s namesake, Saint Patrick. It may be easy to forget the whole reason behind this celebration, but what better way to remember or teach your kids than to attend mass at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chicago’s West Loop. The celebratory lunchtime mass commences at 12:10 p.m. with traditional Irish music followed by a luncheon of corned beef sammies. (Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year, the lenten “no-meat policy” is not being strictly enforced.) A $10 donation for lunch is requested at the door.
Friday, March 17
700 W. Adams St., Chicago
Chicago Gaelic Park
Although the Chicago Gaelic Park celebrates the Irish culture all year round, they really ramp things up in March. Join them on Friday in The Tara Room for an evening of puppets, a magic show, Irish dancing and more. Admission is free for the whole family to come celebrate the Irish spirit.
Friday, March 17
6119 W. 147th St.
