Things to Do in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day 2014
Contrary to what Kermit the Frog might say, it's actually quite easy being green...if you're planning a St. Patrick's Day in Chicago that is. Famed as a city that channels the bit of the Irish in us all, Chicago's many St. Patrick's Day festivals are quite the reason to celebrate. Flowing Guinness, shamrocks, and tin whistle melodies provide for a festivity that's hard to forget. Read on to explore the many exciting St. Paddy's events in Chicago that promise to make your day one to remember!
Can't-Miss Events
What other city can say that they actually turn green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day? On our last count that's only Chicago. From the dying of the Chicago River to Shoreline Sightseeing's memorable St. Paddy's cruise, here are our top picks for the highlights of the festive day.
Dying The River Green - This favorite Chicago tradition dates back to the 1960's. A vision of former mayor Richard J. Daley, the now famous tradition took awhile to flourish. Finding just the right way to environmentally-soundly turn the river green proved somewhat tricky, until the now-secret dye recipe was discovered. It turned out that the same dye the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers used to detect illegal dumping in the river also transformed the river to a perfect Emerald Isle green. Today, crowds can delight throughout all of St. Patrick's Day in the celebratory shade, and those lucky ones who start their celebrations early enough can even watch the transformation occur. It's hard to believe the orange dye that takes a few seconds of contact to begin to turn will work its magic, but that's the luck of the Irish for you! Head near Columbus Drive and Michigan Avenue to catch the dye at its strongest around 10 a.m.
St. Patrick's Day Parade - If you've made it to the river dyeing, then there's no excuse not to stick around for the parade! You'll be in good company, as Chicago's Mayor and Illinois' governor are regular attendees. Beginning near Grant Park around noon, the parade is the largest one in Chicago celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Miles of floats, bands, dance groups, and other Irish entertainment line the streets as the parade makes its three-hour procession.
Shoreline Sightseeing St. Patrick's Day Cruise - Since we already mentioned that the river turns green for St. Paddy's in Chicago, there's no better day to travel along it, on a Shoreline Sightseeing St. Patrick's Day cruise. Beginning from Navy Pier, Shoreline's special one-day event treats cruise-goers to Irish wit and history and a tasty buffet full of all the Irish trimmings. From corned beef and cabbage to a pint of Guinness at the cruise ship's cash bar, travel the river in style and celebrate the day.
Best Bars to Grab a St. Paddy's Drink
The day Chicago bars wait all year for, St. Patrick's, is a great time to take a pub crawl throughout Chicago's bars. Top picks include Irish pubs like Fado Irish Pub, Poag Mohone's, and O'Callaghan's, all of which traditionally hold large St. Patrick's day parties. For a super-Irish experience, try Chicago's Irish American Heritage Center, for traditional dancing, dishes, and beer, of course. There's also Harry Caray's, Goose Island, Wrigleyville, the Cubby Bear, Johnny O'Hagan's, and Galway's Arms for a less traditional Irish event with cheap beer and a college vibe.
Concierge Preferred is Chicago's Top Guide to Chicago Festivities
From St. Patrick's Day revelry to Fourth of July festivities, Concierge Preferred is always searching out the finest activities related to Chicago holidays. Make your event the best it can be by planning ahead with Concierge Preferred, Chicago's leading tourism guide.