2016 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Does any city celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with more enthusiasm and fun than Chicago? We don’t think so either. After they dye the Chicago River green, join the city’s big and noisy celebration of all things Irish on a day when everyone is Irish (or can at least pretend to be).

Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Thursday this year, the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on the Saturday before (March 12). Packed with bagpipers, drum corps, Irish dancers and whole lot more, the parade will start at Balbo and Columbus, then snake its way north on Columbus Drive through Grant Park. The parade steps off at noon, but get there early to secure a good spot to see this once-a-year celebration. Because finding a parking place can be difficult and pricey, parade organizers highly recommend that you use public transportation to get to the parade.