Get ready for a weekend filled with Irish festivities in Chicago! From dyeing the Chicago River green to traditional parades, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The annual dyeing of the Chicago River kicks off the celebration on March 15 at 10 a.m. Following this, the 70th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place at noon on Columbus between Balbo and Monroe, promising three hours of festive fun. For those on the South Side, the 47th annual South Side Irish Parade steps off at noon on March 16 on Western from 103rd to 115th in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.
For a more intimate celebration, head to the Irish American Heritage Center on March 15 from 1-11 p.m. for a full lineup of Irish music, dance, food, children’s activities, and more. The festivities continue on March 17 from 4-11 p.m. with live music featuring the Chancy Brothers, Lagram’s Way, and Without U2 in the center’s Fifth Province Pub.
Families can join in the fun at Old St. Pat’s Shamrock’n event on March 15 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at 625 W. Adams, featuring Irish pub food, music, and activities for children. The street festival Shamrock & Roll on March 15-16 on Division from State to Dearborn offers live music, Irish dancers, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
For those looking to pub crawl, don’t miss Shamrockin’ at the Pier on March 15 from 2-7 p.m. at Navy Pier, with drink specials, live music, games, and more.
In the world of theater, Kia Corthron’s drama “Splash Hatch on the E Going Down” runs from March 14 to April 13 at Definition Theatre, while Puccini’s classic opera “La Boheme” will be at Lyric Opera from March 16 to April 12.
Teatro La Plaza presents “Hamlet” from March 13-23 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, exploring self-expression through the lens of performers with Down syndrome. Idle Muse Theatre stages “The School for Scandal” from March 13-April 13, a comedy of manners poking fun at celebrity society. Oil Lamp Theater presents “The Lifespan of a Fact” from March 14-April 6, challenging the boundaries of journalism and ethics.
Music enthusiasts can catch Mary J. Blige at United Center on March 14, Chicago Sinfonietta at various locations from March 13-16, and a tribute to Van Morrison at Space in Evanston on March 17. Singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov joins Chicago Philharmonic on March 13-14 at Auditorium Theatre, while blues artist Selwyn Birchwood performs at Space in Evanston on March 13. Ike Reilly Assassination rocks the stage at Schubas on March 15-16, and Old Crow Medicine Show celebrates 25 years at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan on March 15.
Art enthusiasts can explore “Lines of Connection: Drawing and Printmaking” at the Art Institute of Chicago from March 15 to June 1, featuring works by renowned artists. Families can enjoy “Go Dog Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!” at Chicago Children’s Theatre from March 15 to May 18, and “Leaf” at Lifeline Theatre from March 13-April 20.
With a plethora of events and activities happening in Chicago, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy the cultural offerings in the city. Join in the fun and make the most of this vibrant and festive weekend!