St. Patrick’s Day Parades & Events in Chicagoland

No one celebrates St. Patrick's Day quite like Chicagoland.  Proud of our Irish roots, check out events in the Suburbs or city this year.

Saturday, March 9th | 12 PM | Wilson St. & Sprint Rd.

Every year, the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Elmhurst draws massive crowds. It’s possibly one of the most popular parades outside of the city this year! There will be over 80 floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, music, and more. No need to travel into the city to enjoy an authentic Irish-American celebration.

Sunday, March 10th, 1PM  | Central Middle School down Oak Park Avenue

Join the Grand Marshal Brian O'Brien, Consulate General of Ireland,  to enjoy the dozens of floats, community groups, local schools and businesses march down Oak Park Avenue (viewing area from 172nd Street to 179th Street).  Also enjoy the Irish fare and fun before, during and after the parade at the many restaurants lining the parade route. Learn more here. 

Saturday, March 16th | 10 AM | Mill St. 

This fun suburban parade kicks off at Naperville North High School. There will also be a 5K race, run and walk. “Participation in this event is a great way to join into the St. Paddy’s Day Spirit. Proceeds from this event will be used to provide health related services to those in need.” Learn more here. 

Sunday, March 10th | 1 PM | Plainfield Central High School

Head to Plainfield to the 17th annual Hometown Irish Parade! This is definitely a community event that can’t be missed. If you’re busy on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, this is a perfect way to participate. Dancers, pipers and marching bands celebrate the Irish heritage. Learn more here.

Friday, March 15th to Sunday, March 17th | Various Times | McGonigal’s Pub, 105 S. Cook St., Barrington

Celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day at McGonigal’s Irish Pub for their 10th Annual Celtic Fest! This family event includes Irish dancers, bagpipers, and plenty of giveaways. Although admission is free, donations are welcome to benefit the American Cancer Society. Learn more here. 

Saturday, March 16th | 9 AM | Columbus Dr. & Wacker Dr.

This classic Chicago tradition is repeated every year! Thousands of people gather for this scenic event. The river dyeing is followed by parade kick-off at noon. The parade begins heading north on Columbus and goes from Balbo and ends at Monroe Dr. We strongly recommend you take public transportation since parking is difficult.

Saturday, March 16th | 1 PM | 4626 N. Knox Ave., Irving Park Neighborhood

After the festivities downtown, visit the Irish American Heritage Center in the Irving Park neighborhood. There will be food and drink, children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, and music galore. “Confirmed performers include Irish Heritage Singers, The Chancey Brothers, In Spite of Ourselves, Tim O’Shea (direct from Ireland) and Pat Quinn, Trinity Irish Dancers, O’Hare School of Irish Dance, Academy of Irish Music, Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, Shepherd School of Irish Music, Mulhern School of Irish Dance, Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance, Mullane Godley Irish Dance Academy and Wiggleworms.” Explore the day’s schedule.

Sunday, March 17th | 12 PM | 103rd & Western

This history of the South Side St. Patrick’s Day parade is an interesting one. According to their website, “The parade was the vision of two best friends, George Hendry and Pat Coakley. Both were raised on the South Side of Chicago, George in the St. Sabina Parish and Pat in the Little Flower parish in the Auburn neighborhood. The two did not meet until their early thirties, when both moved to the Morgan Park community with their young wives. There they became neighbors, best friends and in 1979, co-founders of the South Side Irish Parade.” Join in on this Chicago classic. There will be bagpipers, dancers and other surprises!

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