Lace up those jiggin’ shoes and bust out that green flair—because St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is nearly here! Sure, there are still a few weeks to buffer its grand arrival. But with the mega- mix of things to do in Chicago for March’s biggest holiday, there’s no harm in planning ahead.
From activities for the littlest of leprechauns, to running as if for the biggest pots o’ gold… from the loudest Irish music to the smoothest lagers… and from the greenest river to the most vibrant Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade… and everything in-between…
Here are the luckiest, most festive ways to
celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago this year!
1. Beer Barrel Brewery Tour (Year-Round)
Get ready to experience Chicago's best brews one sip at a time! This fun and unique tour will take you to three distinct breweries, each with their own unique qualities that highlight a different aspect of Chicago’s beer makers. Sample approximately 45-55 ounces and go behind the scenes at one of the best nanobreweries in town. The best part? You'll travel to each stop in a one-of-a-kind, barrel-shaped bus!
2. Gaelic Storm (March 15 – March 16)
Witness one of the most entertaining and eclectic musical performances ever to hit the Chicago House of Blues’ stage. Traditional Irish tunes meet modern-day influences, bringing folks of all types and tastes a show that simple cannot be missed! From Celtic pieces to comical jigs, this long-running masterpiece boasts over two decades of audience appreciation, proving there’s truly something for everyone. Be advised attendees must be age 17+.
3. ShamROCK GREENing (March 10 – March 17)
Join the city’s skyscrapers in kicking off St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago in supportive style! Grab a window-seat or stroll the streets as buildings and urban icons sport dazzling green lights all week long, commemorating the strong, special influence that Irish culture has had on the Windy City over the years.
4. Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 16: 12:15 PM)
Irish flags and colors, flashy green beads, shimmering shamrocks, boisterous bagpipes, vibrant dancers, and so much more! Take the whole family to Columbus Drive for a Chicago event you definitely don’t want to miss.
5. Dyeing the Chicago River Green (March 16)
Starting at 9AM, troops will take to the Windy City’s river waters, pouring 45 pounds of eco-friendly vegetable dye into it, between the blocks of Columbus and Wacker. The dye goes in (*get this!*) orange, but transforms the river into a magical, emerald-green color just in time for the parade to commence. The festive hue sticks around anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on Mother Nature’s winds and currents.
6. Get Your Legs Goin’ for the GOLD! (March 17)
Check out the St. Paddy's Day Run (formerly known as the Leprechaun Leap,) featured in the Lincoln Park area. Join your fellow runners as you conquer a 5 or 8K. Both options encourage heavy amounts of green runnin’ garb! And medals aside, you can reward yourself (guilt-free) with green beer later as you continue to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago with the masses.
7. St. Patrick’s Day Lunch Cruises (March 16)
Floats down the green-dyed Chicago River! Some cruises are family-friendly, while others are adults-only, so be sure to select one that best fits your party plans! Amenities on boat may include traditional Irish grub, tunes, green beer, cash bars, and narration about the Irish heritage in Chicago. These annual outings tend to sell out quickly, so book well in advance. And if you don’t manage to snag tickets, you can always keep a scenic lunch or dinner cruise from Navy Pier in mind for a later date!
8. St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March 16 & March 17)
Didn’t quite get your fix of Irish jigs and jubilee during the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade? Join the Irish American Heritage Center for its most wonderful time of year! Fun for the entire family awaits at this festive affair, full of food and live entertainment, as well as gift vendors, arts, traditional crafts, Irish language lessons, genealogy workshops, face painting, and more.
9. Forever Green (March 8)
Head to the Theater on the Lake to get swept up in the 49th anniversary of this mind-blowing event. Music, dancing, fun and entertainment take over the Center for a craic’ing good time, as this long-standing Irish shindig proudly pulls out all the stops to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago like nobody else in the Windy City does!
10. Green Beer Galore! (Dates Vary)
For those old enough to indulge in the magic of turning beer from gold to GREEN, raise a pint (or two or more) to an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago! Because when it comes to St. Paddy’s Day, bars in Chicago go all-out to cheers to the luck o’ the Irish. More establishments than you can possibly count (or stagger to) have their taps prepped with festively-colored libations that must not be missed! Of course, you can also pick your poison from a plethora of Irish-made alternatives that aren’t green like lagers, stouts, and whiskey. Sláinte, friends!
