St. Patrick's Day 2024: Chicagoans celebrate with green river dyeing, parades
CHICAGO - St. Patrick's Day in Chicago has been called a lot of things, but it's never been accused of being boring.
This year is no different. The Chicago River was dyed green and parades marched across each corner of the city. Green beer flowed and whiskey-encumbered masses streamed down sidewalks and throughout bars.
Although St. Patrick's Day officially takes place on Sunday, March 17, celebrations began in earnest a day before at the Chicago River.
The downtown Chicago St. Patrick's Day parade was held Saturday while the equally robust South Side Irish Parade will be held Sunday.
When will the Chicago River be dyed green?
Plumbers Local 130 dyed the Chicago River a brilliant emerald green at 10 a.m. Saturday west of Columbus Drive and east of Orleans Street.
The tradition dates back to 1962 and has been a fixture ever since. The dye is harmless to wildlife and lasts for roughly five hours of selfie-snapping pleasure.
The best views of the river dyeing were from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks.
What time does the downtown St. Patrick's Day parade start?
The downtown St. Patrick's Day parade began at 12:15 p.m. at the corner of Balbo and Columbus drives and went north to Monroe Street.
Entry to the parade route opened at 10 a.m. at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive. This was the only entry point for parade spectators.
The 2024 Grand Marshal is Peter O'Brien, Sr., president and CEO of MADO Management LP. He was joined by the guest of honor Patrick Kennedy, of The Kennedy Forum.
Among those in the parade was the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, who have been leading the procession since 1956.
Security checked all bags and purses. Alcohol, open beverages and personal water bottles were not allowed along the parade route.
When is the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day parade?
The South Side Irish Parade is one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States.
The 46th parade will be held Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at 103rd Street and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th Street. The parade has traveled the same route down Western Avenue since 1981.
Expect dozens of floats, plenty of Irish music and dance and between 100,000 and 150,000 reveling in the return of one of the South Side's greatest traditions.
Beverly native Mary Kate Barron was named the 2024 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen.
Don't forget about the Northwest Side Irish Parade
The South Side isn't the only other community celebrating on Sunday.
The Northwest Side Irish Parade starts at noon at William J. Onahan School and proceeds south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway where it goes north to Harlem Avenue.
The parade has been going strong for 20 years.
Be sure to stay after the parade for an after party featuring corned beef and cabbage dinner along with drinks and live entertainment.