ABOUT
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 initiative protects the city’s title as the “Greenest City in the World” by lighting buildings green across the Chicago skyline for St. Patrick’s Day week .
In 2020, the pandemic forced events across the city to cancel and ShamROCK Chicago was one of the few ways we celebrated St. Patrick's Day. The greening was kicked off with the Merchandise Mart leading the way for buildings across the city.
In 2021, the Greening will honor the city's events with a special celebration.
Stay tuned for details.
PARTICIPANTS
The following are some of our amazing participants who are lighting up GREEN in support of ShamROCK Chicago in 2020.
875 North Michigan Avenue
Soldier Field
Wrigley Building
Gaelic Park
Civic Opera House
Board of Trade Building
Prudential Plaza
Irish American Heritage Center
Novak Construction
2021 ST. PATRICK EVENTS
Saturday, March 13
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 13, 2021. The best place to see the river GREENing is the intersection of Michigan Ave, Wacker Drive and the river.
Saturday, March 13
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 13, 2021, and ends with Irish music, entertainment, and refreshments at the Irish American Heritage Center. The best costumes get prizes.
Saturday, March 13
DOWNTOWN ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
The Downtown Chicago Parade begins at noon on Saturday, March 13. 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.
Sunday, March 21
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 21.
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.
THE COUNCIL
Brian O'Brien
Consul General of Ireland to Chicago
Billy Lawless
Restaurateur and Senator to Ireland’s Seanad Éirean
James F. Coyne
Chicago Downtown Irish Parade
Chicago Journeymen Plumbers’
Local 130, U.A.
Jim Togher
Mulliganeers
Azteca Foods
Bernard McMullan
Tourism Ireland, New York
Fr. Jack Clair
Misericordia Heart of Mercy
Mike Shevlin
President of the Irish American Heritage Center
Bill O'Sullivan
President of Gaelic Park
Marlene Byrne
Celtic Chicago, Inc.
ShamROCK Chicago 2020
Last year, ShamROCK Chicago partnered with the Merchandise Mart to kick off the Greening of the Chicago skyline. Little did we know that the pandemic would make this event the only St. Patrick's Day celebration.