As the city with one of the largest Irish-American populations in the U.S., second only to New York City, Chicago has no shortage of things to do this St. Patrick’s Day. The city goes all out when it dyes the Chicago River green and hosts its annual parade replete with bagpipes, marching bands, and Irish step-dancers. On top of all that, Chicago is a bar crawler’s heaven, with the entire day turning into one big after party at the bars and on the streets. The big day is on Saturday, March 17th, so check out our list below and find the best places to celebrate your St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.
Dyeing of the Chicago River
Address: Columbus Dr. from Balbo Dr. to Monroe St., Chicago, Illinois
Price: Free
This iconic event has been taking place every St. Patrick’s Day since the early 1960s, and 2018 is no different. On Saturday at 9 a.m., 25 pounds of vegetable-based dye (which is actually orange, but turns green when it reacts with water!) will be poured into the Chicago River, turning the water a vibrant shade of green and signaling the beginning of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This year, an even longer stretch of the river will be dyed green, giving spectators an extra block west to view the emerald water. After the dyeing, the parade will commence at noon where you’ll be treated to Irish bagpipers, step-dancers, and parade-goers decked out in all green. Festivities start at Columbus Drive and move north through Grant Park to Monroe Drive.
SPiN Chicago
Address: 344 N State St, Chicago, Illinois 60654
Price: $$
SPiN Chicago is the recreational sports-lover’s heaven, as this entertainment space boasts 20 ping pong tables, multiple bars, restaurant, and private lounges. So it’s no surprise they’re teaming up with Chicago Sport and Social Club to bring partiers their spin on the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Party. You’ll need to buy a ticket in advance, but it’ll be worth it. With admission, you’ll get a package that includes 3 hours of free ping pong, a house DJ, prizes, giveaways, and drinks. You’ll also get your fair share of Corona, Tito’s Vodka, Maker’s Mark, and much more during this 3-hour experience. If you’re looking for something a little more on the activities side of things, check out SPiN Chicago. Party starts at 11 a.m., so don’t be late!
ROOF on theWit
Address: 201 N State St, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Price: $$$
Img: Wikimedia
Seeing the Chicago River being dyed green from 27 stories up? Check it off your St. Patrick’s Day Bucket List. The ROOF on theWit has been ranked one the of “Top 3 Rooftop Bars in the World” by Travel + Leisure, and what better day to take advantage of the view than on St. Patty’s Day? Make a reservation and ensure you get a spot at one of the four unique spaces at the ROOF to get that 360-degree view of the city and the Chicago River. They’ll be serving up handcrafted cocktails and specialty menu items for St. Patrick’s Day, so be sure to check this place out.
Chicago Shamrock Crawl
Address: 3524 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60657
Price: $45-60
Taking place in Wrigleyville, this is one of the most popular St. Patty’s Day bar crawls in Chicago. Home to Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs, this neighborhood is used to hosting large groups of beer-seeking locals and enthusiastic visitors. More than 15 bars are participating this year, so even if there’s a line at one bar, there’s bound to be another one ready to serve you $5 Goose Island 312’s and Bud Lights with open arms. Be sure to buy a wristband ahead of time and pick it up before Saturday so you can wake up and head straight to the pubs.
Boystown
Address: Boystown Neighborhood, Chicago, Illinois 60657
Price: $-$$
Build your own pub crawl by heading to Boystown and hitting up some of its local hotspots. Start at Sidetracks Video Bar at noon when their cover-free St. Patrick’s Day Party begins. Progress Bar’s St. Patty’s Day bash starts at 1pm–two hours earlier than last year! Get your green Miller Lite there, then head to Roscoe’s Tavern where, beginning at 11pm, resident DJ Lee Dagger will be cranking out some of the hottest beats to get you on the dance floor.
Just looking for some green beer? Here’s our short list of bars where you can find it:
- Commonwealth Tavern (Roscoe Village)
- Jake Melnick’s (River North)
- Lady Gregory’s Old Town (Old Town)
- Lottie’s Pub (Bucktown)
- Old Town Pour House (Old Town)
- The Pony (Roscoe Village)
- Progress Bar (Boystown)
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