How to Celebrate St. Patty's Day in Chicago

There’s nothing quite like celebrating St. Patrick’s Day along a dyed Kelly green river that snakes through one the greatest cities in the world. Having a grand time in Chicago is never difficult, however on this festive occasion, you’ll want to maximize your fun. Read on to learn about how to celebrate St. Patty’s Day…Chicago style.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cash for cabs and/or the El (Chicago’s elevated transit system)
• Green apparel and/or leprechaun hats

1. Start off the day by donning your green hats and t-shirts and catching the St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown at noon. Spectators line up along Columbus Drive. If you’re ambitious enough to get out by 10:45, head to LaSalle Street to watch the Chicago River being dyed emerald green. If you’re in the area and/or in the mood to jump on the Metra train, catch the South Side Parade.

2. Stop by Navy Pier for some touristy yet lively celebration. On St. Patty’s Day, Navy Pier boasts traditional Irish folk music, Celtic acoustics, bagpipes, green beer and free Irish breakfast, not to mention a fantastic view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

3. Refresh yourself with Irish eats and ales at one of Chicago’s many bars and taverns such as Timothy O’Toole’s, O’Brien’s Bar and Restaurant, the Kerryman, Finn McCool’s or Fado Irish Pub. Try dining at a pub that serves traditional fare such as Guinness, corned beef and cabbage and lamb stew.

Tips & Warnings

• Head to pubs early to avoid crowds. Popular Irish pubs in Chicago begin to fill up on St. Patrick’s Day by the afternoon.
• Take in the brightly dressed celebrants by walking across the Michigan Avenue bridge (over green waters) all the way up the Magnificent Mile towards the Gold Coast. Go with the flow and spirit. To take a break from the flow explore side streets west in River North or east in Streeterville.