Chicago celebrates St. Patrick's Day this weekend with green beer, a green river, and parades

Here is your guide to Chicago St. Patrick's Day festivities beginning this weekend

City of ChicagoPhoto Courtesy of Choose Chicago

(Chicago) St. Patrick's Day celebrations are back in full force this year after two years of scaled-back activities. With the holiday actually occurring this Thursday, March 17th, Chicago is planning its big celebrations for this weekend.

Chicago's green river

Saturday, March 12, at 10 AM

This iconic tradition began in 1962 thanks to the local plumbers union. That year, the green color lasted for at least a week or more, but these days, thanks to more environmentally friendly dyes, you've only got a few hours to see the river gleaming its bright green color.

Spectators can view the dyeing from the Chicago Riverwalk and bridges between State and Columbus.

Downtown Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade

Saturday, March 12, at 12:15 PM

The annual parade kicks off at Balbo and Columbus and proceeds north on Columbus Drive. You can find out all of the details here. You will also be able to watch the parade live on ABC Channel 7.

St. Patrick Festival at Irish American Heritage Center

Saturday, March 12 from 1 PM to 11:30 PM

This is another family-friendly event featuring Irish dancing, food, drinks, children's activities, and shopping booths. Get more details and buy tickets here.

Southside Irish Parade

Sunday, March 13 at 12 PM

Since 1981, the Southside Irish Parade has been a favorite Chicago family-friendly celebration. The route begins at 103rd and Western Avenue heading south to 115th and Western. Get the details here.

Northwest Side Irish Parade on Sunday,

Sunday, March 13 at 12 PM

This family fun event winds through the Norwood Park neighborhood. See a map of the parade's route here, and find out more details about the after-party that includes live entertainment and corned beef and cabbage.

Bars and restaurants where you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

• Chief O'Neill's, 3471 N Elston Avenue. It's fitting to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at a pub that was named the "Best Irish Pub" by Timeout Chicago.
• Cork & Kerry, Bridgeport, and Beverly locations. This southside pub has deep Irish traditions.
• Emmet's Irish Pub, 495 Milwaukee Ave. This traditional Irish pub has been around since the 1980s.
• The Gage, 24 South Michigan Avenue. In the Loop, head over to this restaurant owned by an Irishman, Billy Lawless, for corned beef and Guinness.
• Harrigan's Pub, 2816 North Halsted Street. Another authentic Irish pub that's been around since the 1980s.
• Stan's Donuts & Coffee. If coffee and donuts are more your style than beer and corned beef, Stan's Donuts has plenty of St. Patrick's Day donuts and drinks to choose from.
• The Underground, 56 West Illinois Street. Get your party on at the Underground all day on Saturday, March 12th. You can buy tickets here for the festivities.

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