Photo by Max Talbot
Photo by Ken Ilio
1. Watch the Chicago River Go Green
Photo by Marta Sand
2. Head to the South Side Irish Parade
The South Side Irish Parade will begin on Sunday, March 17th at 103rd and Western. The route goes south along Western Avenue and stops at 115th street. Each year, a different set of participants march the route, but you’re sure to encounter Irish music, kilts and bagpipes, traditional step dancing and the South Side Irish Parade Queen.
3. Bring the Family to the St. Patrick’s Festival
If you’re looking for a family-friendly St. Paddy’s event, head to the St. Patrick’s Festival at the American Irish Heritage Center. The event starts after the parade on March 16th at 1 p.m. and goes into the night until 12 a.m. Little ones will love the kid's activities and watching the traditional dancers from O’Hare School of Irish Dance. Everyone enjoys listening to beautiful Irish music from various singers and the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band. Those who have Irish heritage, pop into a genealogy workshop to see if you can pinpoint where your ancestors lived in Ireland and when the family moved to the U.S. You can also support local artisans by purchasing beautiful crafts at the Arts and Crafts Fair and book sale.
4. Enjoy Tasty Irish Fare
No St. Paddy’s celebration would be complete without the rich, savory flavors of Irish cuisine. You’ll love the pub culture at Duke of Perth at 2913 N Clark Street where you can feast on tattie skins and black pudding with a malt beverage or try a haggis pot and some whiskey. Next, visit O’Shaughnessy’s Public House at 4557 N Ravenswood Ave to warm up with some traditional shepherds pie made with mashed potato and cheddar cheese crust, peas, carrots, gravy and ground beef. Or, grab The Full Irish, a mix of rashers, bangers, grilled tomato, black and white puddings and eggs.
5. Run a Race for Charity
There are numerous opportunities to get in a run before taking part in St. Paddy’s Day festivities! Run the Emerald Mile, a one-mile race on Western Avenue at 11:30 a.m. on March 17th. Part of the proceeds goes to the South Side Irish Parade. Or, amp up your mileage by running the St. Paddy’s Day 5K & 8K Run/Walk on Cannon Drive at Fullerton Parkway. A portion of the entry fees will go toward Resilience, a not-for-profit that offers medical and legal advocacy through counseling, trauma therapy and crisis intervention to sexual assault survivors in the Chicago area.
