If you live in Chicago, you know that St Patrick’s Day is an important holiday here thanks to the big concentration of people of Irish-descent living in the city. It does not matter where you are from, everybody feels Irish on that day! If you need ideas on how to celebrate, then let me suggest the following activities:
Enjoy the Lights and Sounds of St Patrick’s Day on LightScape with the Trinity Irish Dancers
Friday, March 16, 11 am – 12 Noon
State Street between Lake and Van Buren
Enjoy lunchtime dancer performances along State Street as the Chicago Loop Alliance’s Lightscape celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish soundtrack all month.
Get a free Irish Breakfast 7am-10am – March 17at Christina’s Place
Click here for more information about this event.
Dyeing the River Green – 10:00 am – March 17, 2012
Turning the Chicago river green has been unique to Chicago for the past 43 years. Most people did not know that this is a privately funded operation, which gets more expensive each year. In 2012, the plumbers union will be turning the river green on Saturday March 17, starting at 10:30 A.M.! This year they will be east of Wabash Ave, and west of Columbus Dr. The dyeing operation can be best viewed from the East side of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the West side of the Columbus Drive bridge or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.Do you want to know the history behind dyeing the Chicago river green? Then click here
Chicago Official 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 17 at noon
The free 57th annual St Patrick’s Day parade takes place at 12:00 noon, Saturday March 17, 2012, which begins at Balbo and Columbus Dr. and follows Columbus to Monroe St. The Parade begins at noon on Saturday, March 17th. Head to the Buckingham Fountain Viewing Stand to see floats, bands, bagpipers, dancers and this year’s Irish Queen and her court.The parade is held on Saturday, the actual calendar date of Saint Patrick’s Day and takes place at 300 E Balbo Dr.
St Patrick’s Festival Saturday, March 17 at 1 pm
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.
The Irish American Heritage Center celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a full day of festivities, including appearances by the Shannon Rovers, Trinity School of Dance, and more!
St. Patrick’s Day After party
Sunday, March 18 at 10:30 am
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.
Live music, step dancing, face painting, and other festive entertainment follows morning mass and a full Irish breakfast at the Irish American Heritage Center.
Chicago Urbanite 