17 Things to Do in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day

Whether you wish to find a draft of green beer, do a little jig, watch Irish eyes smiling, or skip the entire event all together, you'll find something to do in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day.

In honor of the holiday date, here's 17 ways to enjoy your time this St. Patrick's Day.

1. Attend the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade. Beginning on Columbus between Balbo and Jackson at 12 p.m., the event is free and parade watchers are encouraged to arrive early for prime viewing spots.

2. Watch the Chicago River Turn Green. View the annual transformation of the Chicago River as it turns a spectacular shade of vibrant green. This modern day "miracle" can be viewed at 10:30 a.m. and is best seen from the upper level bridges on Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive.

3. Attend 80's Night at Atmosphere. The party lasts from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 5355 North Clark Street. $3 Cover Fee.

4. Visit the "Just Married" Exhibit. On display at the Jane Addams Hull House, 1136 West Wilson Avenue, this exhibit features images taken by photojournalists during the 29 days San Francisco offered same-sex marriages. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit http://www.hullhouse.org/ for more information.

5. Attend Forever Green at Navy Pier. Held in the Grand Ballroom on St. Patrick's Day from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., this celebration features Irish music live performances, Irish dancers, and an open bar. Proceeds from the event benefit Chicago area charities including the Special Olympics and the Snow City Arts Foundation. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door for general admission, and $60 in advance, $70 at the door for the VIP lounge. Call (773) 348-5499 for more information.

6. Join Jen Sincero for an Author Chat. The Seminary Co-op Bookstore at
1301 East 57th Street will host a chat with Jen Sincero, author of "The Straight Girl's Guide To Sleeping With Chicks" at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

7. See Les Miserables. This epic musical will be presented at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $27 - $80. More information can be obtained through the box office at (312) 902-1400.

8. Attend a Celtic Celebration. The Celtic celebration and dinner hosted by The Mortum Arboretum. From 5 pm. To 9 p.m. on March 17, the event features a Scottish, Irish, and Wales buffet along with music, dance, and folk-tales. Visitors can also take free guided walk tours and plant some genuine shamrock seeds to take home. Reservations are required, $35 for members and $42 for non-members. Call (630) 725-2066 for more information.

9. Dine with Friends at Fado. A popular Irish-inspired spot, Fadoon 100 West Grand Avenue, offers an interesting variety of décor imported from Ireland, a variety of authentic dishes, and a full bar.

10. Join the Youth Drop In at Center on Halsted. Ages 13-24 are welcome for socialization and discussions on topics like self-esteem and self-expression and to learn communication, computer, and life skills. Open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. the center is located at 2855 North Lincoln Avenue.

11. Celebrate at the Whiskey Bar & Grill. The Whiskey Bar & Grill in the Sutton Place Hotel, 1015 North Rush Street, celebrates St. Patrick's Day with drink and menu specials from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

12. See The Buddy Holly Story. Buddy -The Buddy Holly Story will be playing at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N Southport Ave, at 5 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. Call (773) 325-1700 for ticket information.

13. Get a Little Ice Time. The Chicago Wolves, Chicago's AHL hockey team will be playing at 7 p.m. at the Allstate Arena, 6950 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL. Call (847) 635-6601 for ticket information.

14. Take a Bus Tour. The Highlights by Bus Tour sponsored by The Chicago Architecture Foundation departs at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call (312) 902-1500. Other tours include Historic Skyscrapers, Modern Skyscrapers, and Downtown Deco.

15. Attend Flanagan's Wake. This hilarious interactive Irish wake is one of the longest running shows in Chicago history. The Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 West Campbell Street, Arlington Heights, IL has shows at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. For more information, visit the Flanagan's Wake website: http://www.flanaganswake.com/

16. Listen to the Gaelic Storm. Chicago's House of Blues welcomes the traditional Irish band, Gaelic Storm at 7:30 p.m. The House of Blues is located at 329 N Dearborn St. Call (312) 923-2000 for more information.

17. Add Something Wicked to Your St. Patrick's Day. The critically acclaimed new musical, Wicked, will be playing at The Ford Center for Performing Arts Oriental Theater, 24 W Randolph St., at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Call (312) 782-2004 for pricing and information.