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Chicago: A city that dyes its river green, hosts three Irish parades and celebrates St. Patrick’s Day like no other. Clearly committed to showcasing its strong Irish influence, it’s no wonder we are the “GREENest City in the World.”

The ShamROCK Chicago 2020 initiative will protect the city’s title as the “Greenest City in the World” by lighting up Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day. From Monday, March 9 through Tuesday, March 17, iconic buildings, monuments and streets in the City of Chicago will light up green.

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2020 ST. PATRICK EVENTS

3.6

FOREVER GREEN

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, attendees of Forever Green can expect authentic live entertainment while enjoying the company of fellow enthusiastic Chicagoans on Friday, March 6, 2020, from 7 - 11:30 p.m. at Theater on the Lake. Entertainment for the evening will include traditional Irish music from the Shannon Rovers Pipe Band, The Chancey Brothers, and much more. Proceeds of the event support our two Chicagoland charity partners: The Mulliganeers and The Henry Schueler 41 & 9 Foundation.

3.7

MULLIGANEERS ST. PAT’S FUNDRAISER

Join the Mulliganeers for a St. Patrick’s fundraiser Saturday, March 7, at 5:45 p.m. for mass or 6:30 p.m. for dinner at I.U.O.E. Union Hall, 6200 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The event will include dinner, drinks, live bands, auctions and raffles. The Mulliganeers is a non-profit organization, formed to raise funds for children in need and their families.

3.14

ST. PADDY'S DAY RUN, 5K & 8K

The St. Paddy’s Day Run, formerly known as the Leprechaun Leap, begins in Lincoln Park on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., and ends with Irish music, entertainment, and refreshments at the Irish American Heritage Center. The best costumes get prizes.

3.14

DYEING THE CHICAGO RIVER

For over 50 years, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union has turned the Chicago River GREEN in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Come and see the river turn a breathtaking green that is identical to the greens of Ireland from where it got its name “The Emerald Isle.” The dyeing of the Chicago River begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020. The best place to see the river GREENing is the intersection of Michigan Ave, Wacker Drive and the river.

3.13

St. Patrick's Blackhawks Game

The Chicago Blackhawks will host their annual St. Patrick's Day game on Friday, March 13 when the team takes on the Ottawa Senators at 7:30 p.m. A special pregame celebration will include the lighting of the United Center Atrium green with Tommy Hawk along with performances by the Shannon Rovers and the Chicago Trinity Irish Dancers.

3.14

Seadog St. Patrick's River Dyeing Cruise

See the infamous Chicago river dyeing from aboard Seadog! Experience the long-standing St. Patrick's Day tradition up close in all its green glory. We'll watch the dyeing, and then cruise along the newly green river while enjoying Irish tunes. 

3.14

OCR St. Patricks Day Cocktail Cruise

Chicago's best St. Patrick's Day party is on the water! Corral your crew and join Odyssey for our first-ever St. Patrick's cocktail cruise on the river. Celebrate the luck of the Irish and enjoy passed Hors d'Oeuvres and light bites from our Cocktail Cruise Menu and an up-close experience of the river's new, festive transformation. 

3.14

Spirit of Chicago St. Patrick's Lunch 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. 

3.15

NORTHWEST SIDE IRISH PARADE

The Northwest Side Irish Parade starts at noon on Sunday, March 15.  The parade winds through the Norwood Park neighborhood, beginning at William J. Onahan School, running south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway, then heading north on Northwest Highway up to Harlem Avenue. Enjoy this fun-filled community event that celebrates faith, family and Irish heritage.

3.15

SOUTH SIDE IRISH PARADE

An old favorite returns to Chicago’s South Side with a focus on family and Irish heritage. The Beverly neighborhood parade steps off at noon on Sunday, March 15, from 103rd Street and proceeds down Western Avenue to 115th Street. Line the route with 150,000 fellow revelers to watch the bands, dance troupes and parade.

3.22

SHAMROCK SHUFFLE

The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is one of Chicago’s best running celebrations! The Chicago tradition continues the St. Patrick’s Day celebration and kicks off spring running season in Chicago on Sunday, March 22.

SHORELINE SIGHTSEEING

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CRUISE

Cruise the green-dyed Chicago River and enjoy some breathtaking architecture. The 75-minute cruise of all three Chicago River branches features a tour highlighting the role of the Irish in Chicago’s economic development. 

3.14

DOWNTOWN ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

The Downtown Chicago Parade begins at noon on Saturday, March 14. The parade will start at Balbo and Columbus. It will proceed north on Columbus Drive and the viewing stand will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain. If you can’t attend, watch the Parade as it is broadcasted LIVE this year by ABC-Channel 7.