Chicago is famous for its large Irish population, but when it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, everyone can be a little Irish, genealogy aside. No matter where you’re from, break out your green and join in the festivities celebrating Irish culture and tradition!
There are St. Patrick’s Day parades in Chicago and in the suburbs that are great for families and they’re free! Here are some favorites.
Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 11
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This is the 24th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade sponsored by West Suburban Irish. Ireland may be a small country, but this year’s parade is a big one with more than 100 entries, including four bagpipe-and-drum groups, two Irish dance groups and lots of candy. The parade begins at Naperville North High School and heads south on Mill Street, east on Jefferson Avenue and ends on south Main Street, near Chicago Avenue. There is also a St. Paddy’s Day 5K Race, Run, or Walk along the parade route at 8:00AM. Find more info here.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 11
12 p.m.
This is the 62nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown and theme of this year’s parade is “Irish Immigration: A New World of Opportunity.” It starts at Balbo and Columbus. The parade units will proceed north on Columbus Drive and the viewing stand will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain.
St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 11
2 p.m.
Leprechauns, marching bands and floats step off from Main and 6th Street in downtown St. Charles. They continue down Main Street to 4th Avenue, spreading festive cheer to people lining the streets of downtown St. Charles to celebrate.
South Side Irish Parade
Sunday, March 12
12 p.m.
Always a good time, the atmosphere at the South Side Irish Parade has become more family-friendly recently. That doesn’t mean it’s any less popular, though. The festive event still draws up to 200,000 revelers. The parade steps off at noon from 103rd and proceed down Western Avenue to 115th Street.
Northwest Side Irish Parade
Sunday, March 12
12 p.m.
The parade featuring approximately 2,500 participants steps off at Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven St. in Chicago. It ends at Harlem Ave. There is a parade after-party at Immaculate Conception Recreation Center, 7271 W. Talcott Ave., at 1 p.m. with tickets $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12.
Tinley Park Irish Parade
Sunday, March 19
2 p.m.
Tinley Park opted to celebrate on the Sunday after the holiday so that it was closer to the 17th and because the weather is often warmer later in March. The spirit of St. Patrick’s Day will be on display as parade entrants make their way down Oak Park Ave. in downtown Tinley Park.
Erin go Braugh!
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