Possibly the city’s most celebrated holiday, St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago draws visitors from all over the US and the world. Chicago has emerged as the second-largest Irish city in America, and with such a great number of residents, there’s certainly a lot to do for St. Paddy’s in Chicago!
Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day 2024 with City Cruises
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like never before, on a luxury cruise on the vibrant and famously green (only on St. Patrick’s Day) Chicago River! On the Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Premier Plus Bottomless Mimosa Architectural Brunch Cruise on the Chicago River, you’ll step aboard a glass-enclosed vessel, and savor a chef-curated menu of delicious plated brunch options and an atmosphere of fun and unforgettable festivities. Enjoy breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the Old Chicago Post Office. This upscale St. Patrick’s Day experience also includes bottomless mimosas and a fully stocked cash bar, just don’t forget to wear something green!
Chicago’s Green River Tradition
The famous dyeing of the Chicago River first occurred in 1962 and is purported to have been inspired by Stephen Bailey of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 110, who noticed that dye used to detect if pipes were leaking had left a colleague’s overalls bright green. The dye itself is actually orange, surprisingly, but when it mixes with water it turns a beautiful emerald green. This tradition is unique to Chicago with approximately 400,000 spectators crowding the banks of the Chicago River to marvel at this.
The Chicago River dyeing originally used 100 pounds of dye that would keep the river green for days, but now 40 pounds of a very secret (but eco-friendly) recipe is used, and the river only stays green for about five hours. Chicago lore has it that revealing the details of this would be compared to “telling where the leprechaun hides its gold.” Get front-row seats to this iconic holiday tradition while taking in incredible views of the city’s architecture. Sit back and relax to traditional Irish tunes while cruising along the St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing Cruise.
Chicago’s Famous Irish Pubs
Much like its Irish population, Chicago is home to a high concentration of traditional Irish pubs, many of them going back nearly a century or more. Which means there is no shortage of Guinness or Irish Whiskey, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
Shinnick’s Pub in the South Side Bridgeport neighborhood has been around just as long as the first St. Patrick’s Day parade, dating to the early 1890s. The amazing mahogany back bar dates from the original construction and has seen a lot of celebrations over the years.
Kelly’s Pub has been a Lincoln Park local favorite since 1933, opening shortly after Prohibition was repealed. Bank robber, John Dillinger, supposedly once had a pint in Kelly’s Pub. With its original back bar and cabinetry, it’s truly a step back in time.
The Kerryman is located in River North, and is one of the most historic Irish bars in Chicago. Once known as McGovern Saloon, a notorious gangster hangout, The Kerryman is one of Chicago’s most authentic Irish pubs, with all 3 of it’s owners hailing from the motherland. It’s no wonder it’s referred to as “a little piece of Ireland.”
Chicago Actually Has 3 St. Patrick’s Day Parades
The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the U.S. The parade starts on Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive, and runs north on Columbus Drive to Monroe Street. It features colorful floats, lots of Irish flags, Irish dancers, and of course The Shannon Rovers Pipe Band. The downtown parade starts at noon, and is a highlight of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day traditions.
The South Side Irish Parade runs down Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th Streets and is supposed to have begun when two neighbors decided that their children needed something to do to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The first South Side Parade began in 1981 and continues to be very much a neighborhood affair with Irish step dancers, bands, and a parade queen.
The Northwest Side Irish Parade runs through the Norwood Park neighborhood down Neola Avenue from William J. Onahan School to Northwest Highway, then down Harlem Avenue. Celebrations include local live music, delicious corned beef and cabbage, and green beer, of course.
The First Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade came to Downtown Chicago on March 17, 1843. Beginning on Clark Street, Grand Marshal, “Smiling John” Davlin led the first attendees down Michigan Avenue and into St. Mary’s Catholic Church for mass. The tradition continued until 1896, after which it suddenly ended for unknown reasons.
In 1956, Mayor Richard J. Daley officially resurrected the Loop’s St. Patrick’s Day parade with the explicit intention of celebrating Chicago’s Irish heritage. And so, the Downtown parade continues to today, along Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe, and is still led by the famed Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, as it was in 1956.
More Chicago Irish History
If you want to learn about Chicago’s Irish history and modern Ireland all year round, it’s always worth a visit to the Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC) whose “mission is to cultivate the cultural bonds of the Irish and Irish Americans to Ireland through gatherings and festivals and by promoting cultural programmings such as music and theater, literature, and language.”
Check out events to see how Chicago remains connected to Ireland. They also host their own St. Patrick’s Day activities with contemporary Irish music, traditional dance, handmade gifts, and performances from the Academy of Irish Music.
FAQs
Where is the best place to view the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago?
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago typically starts at noon on Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive, proceeding north to Monroe Street. Prime viewing spots include Chicago Riverwalk, along Columbus Drive, and the viewing stands at Buckingham Fountain.
Are there family-friendly events on St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago?
Chicago offers plenty of family-friendly events, including the dyeing of the Chicago River and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Additionally, many local establishments will be hosting family-oriented activities and Irish-themed celebrations.
What’s the significance of dyeing the Chicago River green on St. Patrick’s Day?
Dyeing the Chicago River green has been a tradition since 1962. The vibrant green color pays homage to Chicago’s rich Irish roots and culture, and also symbolizes the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The dye is environmentally friendly and usually fades away after a few hours.
Are there specific dress codes or traditions for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago?
While there’s no specific dress code (depending on where you go), wearing green is a popular tradition to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Many people wear green or Irish attire, accessories, or even costumes. It shows your spirit for the holiday, and adds to the fun and festive atmosphere.
Original Post Date: March 16, 2022