St. Patrick's Day in the Chicago Area

Patrick's Day in Chicago is a big holiday. Chicago's famous St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the oldest on the western plains and an annual tradition. The Chicago Parade is preceded by the dying of the Chicago River. The Chicago River magically turns green, with the help of some dye and a leprechaun or two. In addition to the big parade downtown, there are parades in the suburbs surrounding Chicago. Forest Park gets a two week head start, having their parade on March 3. On March 10 there is a parade in the western suburb of St. Charles. The popular South Side Irish Parade is on March 11. On March 17 there are parades in Chicago Downtown, Naperville, Elmhurst, Lake Villa

In addition to the parades there are other festivities including dinner dances. Forever Green's dance at Navy Pier is on February 16. On February 17 there will be an Emerald Dinner Dance in the western suburb of Woodridge. Mystic Blue Cruises has a special St. Patrick's day cruise for lunch and dinner.

There are plenty of celebrations in the Chicago area in honor of St. Patrick's Day, so put on a Lucky green carnation and celebrate.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Forest Park, Illinois
708-366-2543
Saturday March 3
1:00 pm
Increasingly popular parade in south suburb features over 80 entries including McNulty Irish Dancers, Proviso
East March Band, several bagpipe bands, Harley Davidson events, Medinah Shriner's events mini choppers, flying carpets and more.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Downtown St. Charles
Saturday, March 10
2:00 pm
The St. Charles parade boasts Leprechaun stilt walkers, and Irish Queen and her court, bands and a whole lot of Irish Shenanigans. The festive parade is sponsored by the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce. For information call 630-584-8384.

South Side Irish
St. Cajetan Church, 3400 W. 111th Street,Chicago, Illinois 60655
773-393-8687
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday March 11, 2007

The South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade is an annual celebration of faith and heritage.The celebration begins with Irish songs and music at 8:30 am, followed by Mass at 9:00 am.