Come Out and Do Some Fun Things For St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago!
Are you looking for exciting ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago? You’re in luck! Chicago is known for its lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, with a range of events and activities to suit every taste. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best fun things to do for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. Note that most St. Patrick’s Day activities in 2024 will take place on March 11th because traditional St. Patrick’s Day is on a Friday!
1. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the most iconic events in Chicago, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The parade takes place on March 11th this year and features colorful floats, marching bands, bagpipers, and Irish dancers. It starts at Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive and continues north to Monroe Street. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot!
2. Visit the Irish American Heritage Center
If you’re interested in Irish culture, a visit to the Irish American Heritage Center is a must. This cultural center showcases Irish art, music, dance, and history. During St. Patrick’s Day, the center hosts a range of events, including concerts, dances, and workshops.
The Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC) is a cultural center located in Chicago, Illinois, that aims to promote and celebrate the Irish-American heritage and culture. The center offers a wide range of programs and activities to the community, including traditional Irish music and dance, language classes, genealogy research, and cultural exhibits.
The IAHC was founded in 1976 and is located in a historic building on the northwest side of Chicago. The building was originally constructed in 1905 as a school for the deaf and was later used as a police station and a storage facility before being renovated to house the IAHC.
The center features a large auditorium that can seat up to 600 people and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and dance performances. The IAHC also has a library and museum that houses artifacts and exhibits related to Irish-American history and culture.
In addition to its cultural programming, the IAHC is also involved in community outreach and social services. The center operates a food pantry and hosts events to support local charities and organizations.
The Irish American Heritage Center is a vibrant hub of Irish-American culture and community in Chicago.
3. Take a St. Patrick’s Day River Cruise
One of the most unique ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is by taking a river cruise. During the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, many tour companies offer special cruises that feature Irish music, dancing, and drinks. You’ll get a great view of the city while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
4. Enjoy Irish Food and Drink
Chicago is home to many Irish pubs and restaurants that offer traditional Irish food and drink. From corned beef and cabbage to Guinness and Jameson, there’s no shortage of options. Some popular spots include the Celtic Crossings Irish Pub, the Grafton Pub, and O’Donovan’s Irish Pub.
5. Attend the Dyeing of the Chicago River
One of the most famous St. Patrick’s Day traditions in Chicago is the dyeing of the Chicago River. This event takes place on the morning of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and involves dyeing the river bright green. It’s a spectacular sight that you won’t want to miss.
6. Join a Pub Crawl
If you’re looking for a lively night out, consider joining a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl. Many tour companies offer pub crawls that take you to some of the best Irish pubs and bars in the city. You’ll get to sample a range of drinks and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
7. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Festival
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival takes place in the Irish American Heritage Center and features live music, dancing, and traditional Irish food. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in Irish culture and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
8. Participate in the Shamrock Shuffle
The Shamrock Shuffle is a 5K race that takes place on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a fun way to get some exercise and join in the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Participants are encouraged to wear green and there are prizes for the best costumes.
9. Watch Irish Dancing
Irish dancing is a key part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and there are many opportunities to watch performances in Chicago. The Trinity Irish Dance Company and the Irish American Heritage Center both offer performances during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
10. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Mass
For a more spiritual celebration, consider attending the St. Patrick’s Day Mass at the Old St. Patrick’s Church. This historic church is the oldest public building in Chicago and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. The St. Patrick’s Day Mass is a special event that brings together the local community to celebrate their Irish heritage.
11. Check Out the Greening of the Fountain
In addition to the dyeing of the river, another iconic St. Patrick’s Day tradition in Chicago is the greening of the Buckingham Fountain. This beautiful fountain is located in Grant Park and is dyed green to match the river. It’s a great spot to take photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
12. Explore the St. Patrick’s Day Market
The St. Patrick’s Day Market is a unique event that takes place in the Chicago Loop. This market features local vendors selling a range of St. Patrick’s Day-themed items, including green clothing, jewelry, and accessories. It’s a fun way to get into the spirit of the holiday and support local businesses.
13. Visit the Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the arts. During St. Patrick’s Day, the center hosts a range of Irish-themed events, including concerts, films, and dance performances. It’s a great way to experience the best of Irish culture in a beautiful setting.
14. Take a St. Patrick’s Day Tour
If you’re new to Chicago or want to learn more about the city’s Irish heritage, consider taking a St. Patrick’s Day tour with Skyline Chicago Limo Service. You can reserve a guided tour that can take you to some of the city’s most iconic Irish landmarks, including the Irish American Heritage Center, the Old St. Patrick’s Church, and the Gaelic Park. You can book your limo tour now and just tell us you want the St. Patrick’s Day tour!
15. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day After-Party
After the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, many bars and clubs in Chicago host after-parties that continue the festive atmosphere late into the night. It’s a great way to keep the celebration going and meet new people who share your love of St. Patrick’s Day.
Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day is a special holiday that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate their Irish heritage. In Chicago, there are many fun things to do to mark the occasion, from attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to exploring the city’s vibrant Irish culture. Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone in this great city.
FAQs
- What is the best time to visit Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day?
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on March 17th, so that’s the best time to visit if you want to experience the city’s most iconic St. Patrick’s Day tradition.
- Do I need tickets to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
No, the parade is free and open to the public. Just arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
- What should I wear to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago?
Green is the traditional color for St. Patrick’s Day, so be sure to wear something green to show your support for the holiday.
- Are there any family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events in Chicago?
Yes, many of the events listed in this article are family-friendly, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the St. Patrick’s Day Festival.
St. Patrick’s Day is a special holiday that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate their Irish heritage. In Chicago, there are many fun things to do to mark the occasion, from attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to exploring the city’s vibrant Irish culture. Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone in this great city.
