St. Patrick’s Day: Loop Edition

When one thinks of Chicago many things come to mind. Deep dish pizza. The Bean. Navy Pier. Something people outside of Chicago may forget about is how much this city absolutely loves its Irish holidays. St. Patrick’s Day: One of Chicago’s favorite holidays, with thousands of people flooding into the city to enjoy its lively pubs, sprawling parade, and of course, the emerald river that runs through the downtown center. So how should you celebrate this special day?

Watch the Dyeing of the Chicago River

Michigan Avenue Bridge – March 16

There is not a better beginning to this holiday other than heading to the Loop area and watching as the Chicago River turns a bright shade of emerald. Beginning around 9 am the river will be dyed and will maintain its radiant hue for around 5 hours, so make sure you grab a good spot near the river and don’t miss it!

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Grant Park – March 16th

Beginning at noon at the beginning of Balbo Drive and stretching all the way to Monroe, the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a Chicago tradition as much as it is an Irish one. Join the crowds to enjoy Irish step dancing, charismatic bagpipers, and floats decorated for the season. If you grab a spot early enough you may even catch a few leprechauns!

Explore Chicago’s Irish Pub Scene

Various Locations – Loop Area

Chicago sure does know how to celebrate its drinking holidays but we have a special spot in our heart for this Irish tradition. Chicago is full of Irish pubs and on this special day many of these bars will be featuring the classic green ale. So slide into one of these awesome establishments located nearby if you want your drink to get a radiant hue before the day is through!

Emerald Loop (216 N Wabash Ave)

Fado Irish Pub (100 W Grand Ave)

Timothy O’Toole’s Pub (622 N Fairbanks Ct)

Paddy O’ Fegans (204 N Halsted St)

Where to Stay?

The Ivy Hotel

Located near the Magnificent Mile (convenient for St. Patrick’s in the Loop!)

The City Suites Hotel

Located in the heart of Boystown, accessible via Red Line train

The Majestic Hotel

Located in the heart of Wrigleyville, accessible via Red Line train

The Willows Hotel

Located at the edge of Lakeview and Lincoln Park, accessible via Brown Line train