Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

From dyeing the Chicago River green to festive parades, the city of Chicago knows how to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. If you're in the city for St. Patrick's Day, plan on attending one of these great Chicago events.

Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade
This annual parade steps off at noon, March 13th, 2010 from Balbo and Columbus, heading north on Columbus Drive. As tradition would have it, the Chicago St. Patrick's Day parade always falls on the Saturday prior to St. Patrick's Day to allow area children to participate in the festivities. The parade takes place regardless of snow, rain or poor weather conditions. To find out more about the St. Patrick's Day parade, click here.

Turning the Chicago River Green for St. Patrick's Day
For over 40 years, the Chicago River has gone green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. This year's event will take place on Saturday, March 13th, 2010 at 10:45 a.m. east of Michigan Avenue and west of Columbus Drive. The dyeing of the river is in conjunction with the city's annual St. Patrick's Day parade. According to Green River Chicago, "Two miracles appear that day, the river turns a perfect shade of green something that many other cities have tried but have not been successful at doing, and the second miracle by starting with the color orange giving the impression that river will be orange only to convert the river to that true Irish green." Many believe this transformation cannot occur without the help of leprechauns. Definitely a sight to see. For more information on this Chicago St. Patrick's Day event, go here.

South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival
South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade will be celebrating it's 31st year on March 14, 2010. The parade kicks off at noon at 103rd street and Western Avenue heading down 115th Street. The parade is just one event in a ten-day celebration in the Beverly/Morgan Park community of Chicago. This year the celebration will also include the South Side Irish Parade Family Fest taking place on Saturday, March 13, 2010. This event will include activities such as best dressed Irish dog, a children's parade and arts and crafts. Also featured during the ten days will be the Chicago Irish Film Festival featuring documentaries, features, shorts and animated films. For information about the Irish Film Festival, go here. To find a list of all events for the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival, visit here.

Shoreline Sightseeing St. Patrick's Day Cruises
Why not celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a pre-or post-parade cruise at Navy Pier. Pre-parade runs from 10 a.m until 11:30 a.m. and post-parade cruises run from 2 p.m until 3:30 pm. Cruise package includes: Irish buffet lunch; Irish music; special presentation highlighting the history of the Irish community and its role it in building Chicago. Cruise prices are $29 for adults, $27 for seniors and $15 for children 12 and under. For further details, go here.

Chicago Irish pub crawl on St. Patrick's day
The city of Chicago has a vast array of Irish pubs that are perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Listed here are a few to consider.

Johnny O'Hagans located on Clark Street.
Cork & Kerry located on Western Avenue.
The Kerryman located on Clark Street.
Irish Oak located on Clark Street
Celtic Knot Public House located on Church Street.

Chicago is the place to be this St. Patrick's Day with fun and exciting events for everyone.