St. Patricks Day in Chicago for Airbnb Travelers

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St. Patrick's Day draws locals and visitors across the Midwest to the Chicago Loop every year to watch as the Chicago River turn green and the St. Patrick's Day Parade marches through Grant Park. If you're at an Airbnb on the South Side, Chicago even has the South Side Irish Parade just south of Hyde Park.

Regardless of the Chicago neighborhood of your Airbnb stay, Chicago neighborhoods have their fair share of goings-on at Irish pubs, Chicago restaurants, and even your local porch parties (lol). 

When is St. Patrick's Day in Chicago?

St. Patrick's Day is always on March 17, which this year falls on a Saturday. 

What is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day occurs annually on March 17, the date marked by the death of Saint Patrick, Ireland's most celebrated patron saint. The festivities surrounding this date specifically commemorate Saint Patrick and the subsequent arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

Where is Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade?

Chicago's downtown parade occurs on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) this year, beginning with the dyeing of the Chicago River at 9am. The parade itself steps off at noon at the corner of Balbo Avenue and Columbus Drive, then travels north on Columbus Drive. The South Side Irish Parade occurs the Sunday prior (March 11), stepping off from 103rd Street and Western Avenue at noon.


What to do on St. Patrick's Day as an Airbnb guest in Chicago?

Dyeing of the Chicago River

The Journeymen Plumber’s Local Union 130 dyes the Chicago River before the downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade. The dye is fish-friendly, and the river returns to its usual murky shade by nightfall. Arrive early to get a good view of the Green River, and all of the people decked in GREEN. Find the best views along the Michigan Avenue bridge's east side, the Columbus Drive bridge's west side or Wacker Drive (upper or lower) between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.

Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade

After the Chicago river is dyed a murky shade of green, the city's big, noisy, fun-filled homage to the Irish makes its way through Grant Park on Columbus Drive, with plenty of bagpipes, drum corps, Irish dancers and other merrymakers in tow. Find the viewing stand filled with local dignitaries in front of Buckingham Fountain.

South Side Irish Parade at Western Ave from 103rd St to 115th St

The city's southernmost Irish celebration returns with another liquor-less procession along Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th street. For a truly local-experience, we invite Airbnb travelers here! 

Northwest Side Irish Parade

The city's Northwest Side Irish Parade Foundation hosts this family-friendly celebration with a pre-parade party and Irish music and dancing starting at 10am. The parade kicks off at noon in front of Onahan School, and processes to Harlem Avenue. 

St. Patrick's Festival at Irish American Heritage Center

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend in a traditional way with Irish food, dances and live traditional music. If you are seeking a local experience, this is the place for you! The event follows Chicago's downtown celebrations, so make a day of it at this family-friendly event featuring Irish gift vendors, an arts and crafts fair and children's activities.

Forever Green at the Chicago Cultural Center

The Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago hosts its 43rd annual Forever Green party, one of the longest-running St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the city. Traditional Irish music and dancing (not to mention the four-hour open bar) highlight the festivities, and part of the ticket proceeds go to two local Irish charities.

Chicago Shamrock Crawl

For the fun-seekers, this Wrigleyville bar crawl is your best bet for the luck of the Irish. That is, in the form of green beer and whiskey beginning at 8am. The day-drinking festivities feature a variety of Wrigleyville bars, including John Barleycorn, Country Club and Deuce's. Your ticket includes a T-shirt, a breakfast buffet and a gift card to use on the crawl.

For our fun, lovable Airbnb guests coming to Chicago, if you can fit all of these events into one weekend - you win! Enjoy your stay in Chicago and stay safe for St. Patrick's day.