(Photo courtesy of South Side Irish)
Chicago really knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day-make that St. Patrick’s Week.
Hopefully, you already saw turning the Chicago River green and downtown’s St. Patrick’s parade and where to watch from a cruise.
The two events pretty much fill Saturday, March 16. But here are more events and ideas to celebrate the Irish festival when everyone wants to get a bit of Irish luck.
Two more parades take place at noon March 17. Tinley Park already had theirs early in the month but the South Side Irish march on Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th Streets in the Beverly neighborhood at noon (and stop for a pint) and the Northwest Side Irish Parade also starts at 12. The route winds through the Norwood Park neighborhood, beginning at William J. Onahan School running south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway, then heads north on Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue.
Where to celebrate
It’s hard to get more Irish on March 16-17 than at the Irish American Heritage Center where you can hear such bands as The Screaming Orphans, down a pint, eat and see Irish dancers. You will likely need a ticket for some of the concerts. Children admitted free.
Also try the Old St. Patrick’s Church on March 16 for
Shamrock’n the Block for entertainment, food, a raffle, and a heated tent beer garden. This all-ages event will also feature activities for kids.
The pubs are all doing Irish -related specials but here are a few to try during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Check out
Cork & Kerry: in Bridgeport or Beverly.
Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub: On the Chicago River, it will have a tent up, live music Friday and Saturday. You can get tickets online.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery: A real Guinness tap, the West Loop brewery will have live music, brewery pours, food service, and more.
The Dearborn Tavern: Owned by two Irish sisters, The Dearborn will feature Irish food, drink specials, Guinness swag and more.
Chief O’Neill’s: Voted one of the world’s 10 best Irish pubs it is considered by many to be the place to go now and all week for so reserve a table, enjoy the buffet, have a pint and hear live Irish music.
Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro: Located in the North Center neighborhood, the bistro specializes in traditional Irish food, drink and live Irish music. Tip: reserve a table upstairs.
Jodie Jacobs