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Dyeing of the Chicago River & the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Date: Saturday, March 11th, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. River Dyeing, 12:00 p.m. Parade Step-Off
Location: The Chicago River at Columbus Drive, then along Columbus Drive
ChooseChicago.com explains the event as In what might be one of the world’s most famous St. Patrick’s Day rituals, 45 pounds of eco-friendly vegetable dye are poured into the Chicago River to turn it emerald green for the occasion. Actually, at first glance, the dye appears orange on the river’s surface—but don’t panic. Thanks to a little leprechaun magic (or, well, science), the hue transforms and seeps in until the whole river is a bright, beautiful green.
The dyeing of the river remains a beloved tradition for many generations of Chicagoans (it dates back over 50 years ago) and draws nearly 400,000 spectators downtown looking to catch a glimpse before taking in the parade that follows. The Chicago River keeps its coloring for about five hours only, so don’t miss out.
Why not go on a river-dyeing cruise? Various companies are providing sightseeing ventures complete with corned beef and cabbage lunches or dinners!
Check them out:
Mystic Blue St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Cruise
Shoreline Sightseeing St. Patrick’s Day Lunch Cruises
Spirit of Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Afternoon Lunch Cruise
Wendella’s St. Patrick’s Day Cruise
Millenium Garages are offering discounted parking for the weeekend events
South Side Irish Parade
Date: Sunday, March 12th, 2017
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Beverly Neighborhood (103rd & Western)
An annual staple in Chicago’s south side Beverly neighborhood, the South Side Irish Parade has been not only a local tradition but a suburban tourist destination.
Though the parade has a long-standing reputation of being a place for excessive consumption, it is the official policy from the organizers that “The South Side Irish Parade is a family-friendly event and has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol along the parade route.”
What would Jen do?
The 2017 Emerald Isle Mile, that begins at 11:30 a.m., before the start of the parade. The race runs from 104th Street to 112th Street, and is expected to have nearly 250 entrants. Fun fact: one-mile burns about 100-110 calories which is equivalent to an O’Doul’s Non-Alcoholic beer, a shot of whiskey, or about two-thirds of a Smithwicks.
Northwest Side Irish Parade
Date: Sunday, March 12th, 2017
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Norwood Park
Venturing to the south side can be a bit much for north siders wishing to imbibe on St. Pat’s celebration weekend. For that, the Northwest Side Irish Parade and festival provides a means of entertainment.
The parade after party is held at the Immaculate Conception Recreation Center, 7271 W. Talcott Avenue, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for party-goers aged 10+ and includes “Danny Boy Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner, Eli’s Cheesecake, soda, and live entertainment!”
GET LUCKY Half Marathon, 14k & 7k
Date:Saturday, March 11th, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Soldier Field
A lucky morning to burn away all of that whiskey and corned beef? Yes, please.
Participants can choose between the seven or 14-kilometer version, or better yet run both adding to 21-kilometers, or a half-marathon.
Here’s how to get in: http://www.chicagogetlucky.org/Information/
Finish the race, enjoy the post-event party, and then head over to Columbus Drive for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade!
Chicago Bulls against the Houston Rockets
Date: Friday, March 10th, 2017
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: United Center
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
Saturday, the parade starts at Balbo and Columbus, will be closed to traffic. The parade will proceed north on Columbus Drive to Monroe. These streets will be closed.
CTA and Public Transit Weekend Alerts
It is predicted that the CTA will increase service this weekend for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
