Your Guide To St. Patrick's Day In Chicago: Parades, Bar Crawls, Concerts And More – Block Club Chicago

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CHICAGO — With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, Chicagoans are gearing up for a jam-packed weekend of Irish festivities. Bagpipers and dancers will take to the streets, Irish bands and comics are headed to local stages, neighbors will crawl from bar to bar and the river will soon turn green.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fests or boozy parties, there’s something for everyone during the luckiest time of the year.
Chicago River Dyeing & St. Patrick’s Day Parade
10 a.m. Saturday
Various locations Downtown
The Chicago River is going green for the 69th year this weekend, dyed by the Plumber’s Local 130. A longtime tradition, Chicagoans can catch some of the best views of the newly colored river from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks. The annual Chicago parade kicks off shortly after at 12:15 p.m., starting at Columbus Drive and Balbo Avenue then continuing north. Entry to the parade route opens at 11 a.m. at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive.
St. Patrick’s Bash
11 a.m. Saturday
Maggie Cosme Park, 9201 S. Longwood Drive
Enjoy a leprechaun chase, face painting, games and more family-friendly fun at this St. Patrick’s Day bash. Register for free online. There is a $5 suggested donation to support the Maggie Cosme Park Advisory Council.
St. Patrick’s On The Lake
11 a.m. Saturday
2401 N. Lake Shore Drive
Enjoy toe tapping performances by the Sullivan Brothers, In Spite of Ourselves, Whiskey Mick and David Dunne at this annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the lakefront. There will also be food and drink specials. Admission is $10 at the door. Children 12 and younger get in free.
St. Patrick’s Fest
1-11 p.m. Saturday
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.
After catching the river turn green and the Chicago parade, head over to the Irish American Heritage Center to keep the party going. There will be live music, entertainment, food and drinks, shopping, crafts and more. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door. Children younger than 12 get in free.
March For Kids Post-Parade Party
1:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday
Venue SIX10, 610 S. Michigan Ave.
After the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, families can enjoy an afterparty with live Irish music and step dancers, alcoholic and NA drinks, an Irish-themed buffet, kids’ activities, balloon artists and more. The venue also features sweeping views Grant Park and Lake Michigan. Tickets are $20 for ages 6-20 and $75 for general admission. Buy them here. Children younger than 6 get in free.
South Side Irish Parade
Noon-3 p.m. Sunday
Starts at 103rd Street and Western Avenue, proceeding south to 115th Street and Western Avenue. 
Bagpipers, marching and local community groups will take to the streets for this 45th annual parade. The family-friendly celebration has grown into the largest community-based St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Ireland, according to its website.
St. Patrick’s Day Brunch
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery, 9030 S. Hermitage Ave.
Enjoy a pre- or post-South Side Irish Parade brunch featuring corn beef, bottomless mimosas, music and more.
Northwest Side Irish Parade
Noon-3 p.m. Sunday
William J. Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven St.
A family tradition for over 20 years, the Northwest Side Irish Parade features a slew of local groups and neighbors dancing, skipping and playing Irish music.
Siamsa na nGael
7:30 p.m. Monday
Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.
Returning for its 25th edition, Siamsa na nGael is an annual showcase celebrating some of the finest Celtic artists in Chicago and beyond. It tells the story of Brigid of Kildare, patroness saint of Ireland, through song, music and dance. Performers include Irish Tenor Chole Agnew, Chicago’s own Catherine O’Connell, the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Trinity Irish Dance and more. Tickets are $30-$60 online.
Get Lit: Pub Night
5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday
American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave.
Don your green attire and enjoy a night of pub trivia on all things Irish, customize your own Irish pub-themed coaster, get your own Irish pub-inspired poem written on the spot and more. There will a variety of alcoholic and booze-free drinks. Tickets are $18-$25 online.
Gaelic Storm & The High Kings
6:30 p.m. Friday
House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn St.
Catch a double bill show of Irish music ahead of St. Patrick’s Day with Celtic band Gaelic storm and Irish folk group The High Kings. Tickets are $40 online.
ShamROCK 2024
8 a.m. Saturday
House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn St.
Party for St. Paddy’s with the House of Blues’ annual ShamROCK event featuring live music, pints, Irish food and more. Tickets are $10 online.
The Screaming Orphans
7-10 p.m. Sunday
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.
Chart-topping, award-winning band of Irish superstars The Screaming Orphans are headed to Chicago for a special St. Patrick’s weekend show. Known for their genre-bending pop and folk tunes inspired traditional Irish music, the four-piece group has toured with the likes of Sinead O’Connor, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell and more. Tickets are $35 online.
St. Patrick’s Comedy Show
7:15-8:45 p.m. Sunday
The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Irish comedian Katie Boyle is performing a special St. Patrick’s Day show in Wicker Park this weekend. Guests can also order $7 green beer and specialty “Shamrock Surprise” shots. Tickets are $20-$35 online.
St. Patrick’s Week At OGB
5 p.m. Wednesday-5 p.m. Sunday
Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 901 W. Kinzie St.
Start St. Patrick’s Day festivities early with Open Gate Brewery’s week-long celebration. There will be live music and DJs, brewery pours, food, shopping, photo opportunities, themed decor and more. Tickets are $10 online.
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration
Noon Friday-9 p.m. Sunday
Old Irving Brewing Co., 4419 W. Montrose Ave.
Stop by this local brewery anytime this weekend to celebrate St. Pat’s. Guests can get lucky with Irish music, cocktails, shots and food specials.
Dia De San Patricio Weekend
4 p.m. Friday-11 p.m. Sunday
Osito’s Tap, 2553 S. Ridgeway Ave.
Celebrate the Irish with Mexican flare this weekend. Osito’s Tap will have festivities all weekend, including Irish coffees and whiskey shots, Irish nachos, a Saturday night DJ and Sunday evening Mariachi band performance.
St. Patrick’s Day “Court Crawl” 
4-6:30 p.m. Friday
SPF, 2121 N. Clybourn Ave.
Half Acre Beer Co. teams up with new pickleball facility SPF to offer a happy hour “court crawl,” including court-side samples with a purchase of Half Acre’s signature lime lager, Greet Torch, available at the bar. Green attire obviously preferred!
St. Patrick’s Ghost Tour: Irish Pub Crawl
7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday and 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Streeter’s Tavern, 50 E. Chicago Ave.
Tour some of Chicago’s most haunted Irish pubs for a spooky St. Patty’s celebration. Tickets are $35 online.
River North St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
8 a.m.-noon Saturday
Various River North bars
This 10th annual crawl is just steps away from Chicago’s green river and parade. Celebrate at nearby bars like Tree House, Tao, Rocbar, Bodega, JoJo’s, Mercadito, Hard Rock Cafe and more. Tickets start at $39.99 online. They include admission, $20 of crawl credit, giveaways and more.
Shamrock Bar Crawl
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Various Wrigleyville bars
Swing through Old Crow Smokehouse, Moe’s Cantina, HVAC, Tin Roof, Rizzo’s, Cubby Bear, Sluggers, Rabbit Hole, Hacienda D’Suarez and other Wrigleyville bars for a day of green beer and booze. Tickets start at $29 online. They include admission, a T-shirt, breakfast and a crawl gift card.
Pour Some Paddy’s On Me
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Fatpour Wicker Park, 2005 W. Division St.
Ahead of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, Fatpour is hosting a two-story celebration with music, an Irish drink and appetizer package and other “party antics.” Tickets are $80 online.
St. Patty’s Day Trolley Crawl
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern, 3647 N. Clark St.
Take a trolley ride throughout the city for a crawl that hits three different bars. Tickets are $70 online. Trolleys are also available for rent for groups of up to 40 people.
Wicker Park Bar Crawl
2 p.m. Saturday through midnight
Various Wicker Park bars
Enjoy specialty cocktails, shots, food and St. Patrick’s Day souvenirs at Wicker Park bars. Participating venues include The Cauldron, Whiskey Business, Black Hole Bar, Bangers & Lace, The Point and Bourbon on Division. Tickets start at $14.99 online.
Bulls St. Patrick’s Day Pregame Party
2:30-5 p.m. Saturday
United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Bulls this weekend ahead of their game against the Washington Wizards. Pregame at the team’s home base at the United Center with games, drinks, photo opportunities, music and more. Tickets start at $53.82 online. Each one includes a themed T-shirt, windbreaker and admission to the game.
Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
4 p.m. Saturday through midnight
Check in at SPIN, 344 N. State St.
Crawl around seven different bars including Bodeqa Taqueria Y Tequila, Headquarters Beercade in River North, Mother Hubbard’s Sports Pub and Rino Bar. Check in by 6 p.m. and hop from bar to bar on your own schedule. Tickets are $20-25 online.
St. Patty’s Drag Show
7-9 p.m. Saturday
Whiner Beer Company, 1400 W. 46th St.
Catch drag performers Lúc Ami and Male Spice for a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day drag show. Tickets are $10 online.
Charm’d Pop-Up Bar
Various days and times through March 24
Bamboo Club, 3505 N. Clark St.
This Irish pop-up bar returns with wall-to-wall Irish decor, photo opportunities, specialty cocktails, shots and more. Tickets start at $5 online.
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