The history of St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago goes back more than 175 years. Now a longstanding tradition, Chicago’s Irish parade was first held in 1843. The dyeing of the Chicago River was added in 1962, quickly becoming one of Chicago’s most famous events. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago St. Patrick’s Day At The Irish American Heritage Center. 4-11 p.m. Monday, March 17. Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. While most St. Patrick’s Day events are happening the weekend prior, you can celebrate on the actual holiday with the Irish American Heritage Center. Irish step dancers participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade on March 17, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Tens of thousands took advantage of record high temperatures and sunny weather to attend the Members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 UA dye the Chicago River green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Loop, Saturday, March 16, 2024. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times Share Get Credit: Kathleen Hinkel/Block Club Chicago. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Chicago was held in 1843, when the city’s population was between 8,000 and 12,000. Marchers included citizens, a band and a military group of Irish men called the Montgomery Guard, who had spent the winter raising money for uniforms that debuted in the parade. Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade 2025 What we know: While St. Patrick's Day officially takes place on Monday, March 17, the City of Chicago's parade will step off at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Chicago Goes Green: St. Patrick's Day in Chicago St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is memorable experience for Chicagoans as well as visitors. You will be surprised that St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated throughout the city every year. Main attractions are green river and parade. You will have great time experiencing vibrant parade and viewer’s favorite event of dyeing of the Chicago River. Truth Zoom in: Here's a list of St. Paddy's celebrations for foodies, families, teetotalers and more. For the diehards (and us!) My colleague Moyo will brave the throngs of green Saturday (so you don't have to) and board the St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise on the First Lady. The two-hour cruise starts at 10am and includes two drinks, corned beef Chicago typically goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day, and 2025 will likely be no exception. From the iconic river dyeing to a handful of parades scattered across the city, there’s no shortage When does the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade take place? Bagpipers play during the Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11, 2023 in Chicago. (Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune) St. Patrick’s Day Boat Cruises. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Chicago Sport and Social Club aboard the Island Party Hut! Grab your green gear, round up your crew, and get ready for a shamrockin’ good time as we cruise the Chicago River in style on Saturday, March 15th, 2025. Option 1: St. Patrick’s Day River Dye Cruise. Time: 10:00 AM The Chicago St. Patrick's Day parade will be preceded by the ultra-popular river dyeing at 10 a.m. Plumbers Local 130 will dye the Chicago River a brilliant emerald green west of Columbus Drive Irish step dancers participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade on March 17, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Tens of thousands took advantage of record high temperatures and sunny weather to attend the Top 10 Best St Patricks Day Brunch in Chicago, IL - March 2025 - Yelp - The Hampton Social - River North, Cindy's Rooftop, Emerald Loop, The VIG Chicago, The Green Door Tavern, Lizzie McNeill's Irish Pub, Fado Irish Pub, Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant, The Irish Nobleman From pub crawls to the river dyeing it’s no secret that Chicago does Saint Patrick’s DayBIG!There are tons of events to choose from whether you want to start early or keep the celebration go And while the energy of St. Patrick's Day festivities is infectious, the risk of picking up an illness is equally as contagious. So, if you're planning on spending St. Patrick's Day with friends, family, or around large groups, protect yourself and pre-game with an immunity booster shot, load up on extra vitamins, and stay far, far away from anyone who sounds or looks slightly sick. St. Patrick’s Day Pregame Party Ticket Offer–Bulls vs. Nets is happening on Thursday, Mar 13, 2025 at 7:00pm at the venue 1901 W Madison St in Chicago, IL No one does St. Patrick’s Day quite like Chicago. Ranked as the No. 2 “most Irish” city in America by LawnStarter with the most St. Patrick’s Day events besides, Chicagoans don’t mess around when it comes to the holiday. In fact, the celebrations have already begun in the Windy City. Though Chicago finished in the top 10 of the best cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, it also ranked among the worst, 198th out of 200, when analysts factored weather into the festivities. The Illinois Lottery on Monday, St. Patrick's Day will hold events at two of the state's top ticket sellers, giving players an opportunity to win prize packs, instant tickets and branded merchandise.
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