Best Parades And Celebrations On St. Patrick's Day In Chicago
For many Chicagoans, the month of March is synonymous with St. Patrick's Day celebrations. From the suburbs to the North and South Sides of Chicago, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with a crowd of thousands, including parades and musical performances. Check out what's happening in Chicago on and around St. Patrick's Day 2015 with the following events, listed in chronological order. Take a look at last year's article for additional ideas, too.
Celtic Celebration
Symphony Center
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 294-3000
www.cso.org
Date: March 10, 2015
Take part in Siamsa na nGael, the Celtic Celebration held at the Symphony Center. The event, held March 10, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., features performances from a number of musicians and performers, including Trinity Irish Dancers, Jackie Moran, Greg Cahill and the Special Consensus bluegrass band, and Metropolis Symphony Orchestra and Old St. Patrick's Concert Choir. Stephen Alltop is the conductor. The event is also a celebration of music, and as noted on Chicago Symphony Orchestra's website, will "explore the Scots, Irish and African roots of Appalachian music."
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St. Patrick's Day Parade
Downtown Naperville
Naperville, IL 60563
www.wsirish.org
Date: March 14, 2015
Head out to the suburbs for plenty of St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and travels through downtown Naperville on March 14, 2015. It will include a number of local businesses, as well as the Parade Queen and Court. If you're looking for the perfect spot to watch the parade, then check out the website of the West Suburban Irish in advance of the parade. You can also lace up your running shoes and celebrate the big day with the St. Paddy's Day 5K, where you can run, race or walk. The run starts at 8 a.m. on March 14.
Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade 2015
Balbo and Columbus Drives
Chicago, IL 60605
www.chicagostpatsparade.com
Date: March 14, 2015
If you're ready to celebrate the holiday in style with thousands of other Chicagoans, then make plans to see the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 14, 2015. The free parade, which kicks off at noon and travels north on Columbus Drive to Monroe Street, features an assortment of floats, dancers, bagpipers and more. The event also includes dyeing the Chicago River at 9:30 a.m., a favorite tradition for many Chicagoans. As the all-day event is a big deal for many Chicagoans, so consider taking public transportation. The parade is held rain or shine, so plan to dress in layers and bring an umbrella or poncho with you.
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2015 South Side Irish Parade
103rd St. and Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60643
www.southsideirishparade.org
Date: March 15, 2015
Why see one St. Patrick's Day parade when you can see two? The South Side Irish Parade, held in the Chicago neighborhood of Beverly, kicks off on March 15, 2015, at noon and heads south to 115th Street. The parade, which will be its 37th, features marching bands, bagpipers and plenty of local businesses. A fun run will be held the day of the parade at 11 a.m., too. Heads up: Parking restrictions will be in place, so consider opting for public transportation instead. Pack an umbrella and layers, as this event is held rain or shine.
Bank Of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Grant Park
Chicago, IL 60601
www.shamrockshuffle.com
Date: March 29, 2015
If you're looking for a way to run off all the green beer you drank on St. Patrick's Day, then consider registering for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K. The race, which starts and ends in Chicago's famed Grant Park, is held March 29, 2015, with the first wave at 8:30 a.m. A post-race party is also scheduled, so you can celebrate with your fellow runners. Keep in mind street closures will be in effect for the race, so consider taking public transportation if you're running or cheering.
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Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
