5 Things To Do in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day
1. St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Buffet and Green Beer
“You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the mornin’”
On March 14, over a half a dozen bars in Chicago will come together to celebrate St. Patricks Day the Chicago way! They are offering an all-inclusive St. Patrick’s Day experience breakfast buffet!
4 Hour Food & Premium Drink Package
Premium Vodka Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers & Mixed Cocktails
Green Miller Lite & Coors Light Draft Beer
Massive Breakfast Buffet that includes: Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, Bacon, Ham or Sausage, Toast and/or Bagels, A Variety of Fruit… and more!
Expedited Guest Entry.
A DJ will spin your favorite hits and mashups to christen the Irish morn’
Beads, Drinking Gloves, Hats, Shamrocks, and more!
Saturday March 14th, Morning start, Early Bird Special $25.
2. Chicago River Dyeing
The’s nothing like the emerald glow of the Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day. It is best viewed from the east side of Michigan Avenue, the west side of Columbus Drive or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
This year, the Chicago Dying starts at 9:00am on March 14th.
How did Chicago started this tradition? The dye originally had a functional use. In 1961, it was being used to avoid leaks into the river, when the plumber’s union manager realized it was the perfect shade of emerald green.
Is it safe for the environment? It’s eco-friendly! The dye itself is an orange powder, derived from an environmentally-friendly vegetable base. The exact formula is a closely guarded secret.
How long does the dye last? The boats will start dyeing at 9 a.m., and the dye only lasts for about five hours
3. Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 65th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will feature variety of entries, including dancing troupes, traditional Irish bands, school marching bands, the parade queen and more.
The procession travels north on Columbus Drive, beginning at Balbo Drive and ending at Monroe Drive. Plan on seeing plenty of colorful floats waving their Irish flags high, troops of Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and more during the three-hour celebration.
Just make sure you secure a spot before the parade starts at noon.
4. St. Patrick Festival at Irish American Heritage Center
Celebrate all things Irish at the annual St. Patrick’s Fest on Saturday, March 14, 2020. The celebration is one of Chicago’s largest St. Patrick’s Day events and takes place under one roof at the IAHC.
The celebration follows the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and runs from 1pm to midnight and features traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food and drink for purchase, children’s activities and an Arts and Craft Fair, with vendors selling Irish gifts. Visit the Library, Art Gallery and Museum for programming and exhibits, such as Irish language lessons, a genealogy workshop and a book sale.
Tickets are $15 for adults, or $12 for advance purchase through March 12. Children 12 and under are free.
5. St. Patricks Day at Navy Pier Lunch and Dinner Cruise
Chicago’s best St. Patrick’s Day party is on the water! Corral your crew and join Spirit of Chicago in your best green gear out on Lake Michigan. Celebrate the luck of the Irish and enjoy a freshly prepared St. Paddy’s Day lunch buffet, green beer* and amazing skyline views, plus dancing and onboard entertainment galore.
St. Patrick’s Afternoon Lunch Cruise
Saturday, March 14th
- Incredible views of the Chicago skyline
- St. Patrick’s Lunch Buffet Menu
- DJ entertainment and dance floor
- Festive St. Patrick’s Day decorations
- Green beer available for purchase (must be 21+)
- Board 3:00pm | Cruise 3:30pm – 5:30pm | Price from $59.90*
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Cruise
Saturday, March 14th
- Incredible views of the Chicago skyline
- Deliious Dinner Buffet Menu
- DJ entertainment and dance floor
- Festive St. Patrick’s Day decorations
- Board 6:30pm | Cruise 7:00pm – 10:00pm | Price from $117.90*