Clink the glasses when you hear Sláinte! You will likely hear the word meaning “I drink to your health” when you amble into a pub this weekend and through next Tuesday, March 17. Or be greeted with Failte. It means welcome.
Yes, we’re heading towards the mid-March’s St. Patrick’s Day events even though the weather has been unseasonably warm. It bodes well for standing along the Chicago River near Michigan Avenue to watch the Chicago Plumbers Union, Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130, turn the river bright green from their boats at about 10 a.m., March 15. You will need to have gotten there early if the crowd is anything like past years.
PARADES
Downtown
Grab refreshments along the cafes on Michigan Avenue before catching one of the country’s biggest and best parades. It starts on Columbus Drive at Balbo Drive at 12:15 p.m. and marches north to Monroe Drive just east of the Art Institute.
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day downtown parade first dates back to 1843 then it moved to Haymarket Square in the 1860s before discontinuing in 1902. It later restarted downtown but dyeing the Chicago River didn’t happen until in 1962.
A family-friendly parade of Irish pride, the parade started 47 years ago as a small, neighborhood event that has grown into popular watching do of thousands, with some brought by bus. Now consisting of bands, a queen and Irish dancers and bands, it starts at noon. March 16 and goes south on Western Avenue Sunday, from 103rd to 115th Streets.
Also held March 16, the parade starts at noon and winds through the Norwood Park neighborhood, beginning at William J. Onahan School.
• St. Patrick’s Day events at the Irish American Heritage Center
Head to the northwest side to visit the Irish American Heritage Center, which will be hosting an array of events leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, including an Irish singing workshop and concert, a Celtic art class, and more.
Where to raise that pint or dine on Irish specials
So many bars and restaurants celebrate the weekend that the list would run to pages so here are just a few.
Cork & Kerry – an authentic Irish pub in Bridgeport and Beverly. location,
Navy Pier – Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day on the water with Navy Pier’s inaugural Shamrockin’ at the Pier Pub Crawl with drink specials, live music, themed games.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery– One of the only Guinness taprooms outside of Ireland, this West Loop brewery will celebrate with live music, brewery pours, food service, and more.
The Dearborn Tavern -Owned by two Irish sisters, it goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day with food and drink specials and their standard welcoming atmosphere.
The Gage: Guinness on tap and a great location.
Chief O’Neill’s – Considered by many as t he place to be for St Patrick’s Day food and drink.
Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro A pure Irish pub to celebrate the holiday. Reserve a table upstairs for traditional food and live Irish music.
Two other places to be
Irish American Heritage Center a good destination for all things Irish holds its annual St. Patrick’s Day Fest from 1 -11 p.m. March 15 in its Fifth Province space. The IAH Center is at 4626 N Knox Ave. Chicago, (773) 282-7035). Fest has traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food and drink for purchase and children’s activities including Wiggleworms. Tickets are $15 for adults in advance and $20 on the day of the event. Children 12 and under, free.
Old St. Patrick’s “Shamrock’n the Block” has a pop-up Irish pub, live entertainment, food, a raffle and a heated tent beer garden from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. But hurry to get a ticket. It sells out fast. The church campus is at 625 W. Adams (Entrance on Des Plaines St. between Adams & Jackson).
Sláinte!
Jodie Jacobs