St. Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day that honors the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. But it’s not just in Ireland where this day is celebrated.
Across the globe, and especially in Illinois, USA, St. Patrick’s Day is a day filled with parades, wearing of green attire, public feasts, and a lot of fun.
In 2024, Illinois is gearing up to host some of the most exciting St. Patrick’s Day events. This article will guide you through the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Illinois in 2024, and the various activities that are lined up.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Illinois: An Overview
Illinois, known for its diverse culture and vibrant celebrations, hosts some of the most exciting St. Patrick’s Day events. From parades to pub crawls, live music to dance shows, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, you’ll find a variety of ways to immerse yourself in the Irish spirit.
St. Patrick’s Day Parades
One of the highlights of St. Patrick’s Day in Illinois is the parades. Cities across the state host their own unique parades, each with its own charm and character. These parades feature everything from marching bands to elaborate floats, traditional Irish dancers to bagpipers.
Irish Dance Shows and Live Music
For those who enjoy cultural performances, there are numerous Irish dance shows scheduled across the state. These shows feature talented dancers performing traditional Irish dances, providing a glimpse into the rich Irish culture. Additionally, many pubs and venues host live music events, featuring both local and international artists.
Food Festivals and Pub Crawls
St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some traditional Irish food and drink. Many cities in Illinois host food festivals where you can sample a variety of Irish dishes.
For those who enjoy a good pub crawl, there are several organized events where participants can visit multiple pubs in a single day, enjoying the festive atmosphere and perhaps a pint or two of Guinness.
St. Patrick’s Day Events and Parades in Illinois 2024
| Event | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive, Chicago | March 16, 2024 | Starts at 12:15 PM |
| Chicago River Dyeing | Chicago River, Chicago | March 16, 2024 | TBA |
| South Side Irish Parade | 103rd Street and Western Avenue, Beverly, Chicago | March 17, 2024 | Starts at 12:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Clover Cruise | Chicago River, Chicago | March 16, 2024 | TBA |
| St. Patrick’s Day with The Screaming Orphans | Mayfair Theatre, Irish American Heritage Center, Chicago | March 17, 2024 | TBA |
| Pub Night at the American Writer’s Museum | The American Writer’s Museum, Chicago | March 12, 2024 | TBA |
| Trolley Pub Crawl | Various Locations, Chicago | March 16, 2024 | TBA |
| Chicago Shamrock Crawl | Wrigleyville, Chicago | March 16, 2024 | Starts at 8:00 AM |
| St. Patrick’s Day at Lizzie McNeill’s | Lizzie McNeill’s, Chicago | March 17, 2024 | TBA |
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Major Cities of Illinois
Chicago: The Heart of St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is renowned for its grand St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city’s festivities are headlined by the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a vibrant spectacle of floats, bands, and dancers marching down Columbus Drive.
But the highlight of the day is the Chicago River Dyeing Ceremony. Every year, the Chicago River is dyed a brilliant emerald green, a tradition that has been upheld since 1962.
Naperville: Family-Friendly Festivities
In Naperville, St. Patrick’s Day is a family affair. The city hosts a variety of family-friendly restaurants offering special menus for the day. Children can also participate in a range of activities, making it a fun day out for the whole family.
Springfield: A Taste of Irish Culture
Springfield, the capital of Illinois, offers a taste of Irish culture on St. Patrick’s Day. The city hosts several Irish dance shows and live music events, providing a glimpse into the rich Irish heritage. Springfield also offers a variety of Irish food festivals, where you can sample traditional Irish dishes.
Activities to Enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day in Illinois
Parades: A Feast for the Eyes
One of the most anticipated events on St. Patrick’s Day is the parades. Cities across Illinois host their own unique parades, each with its own charm and character.
These parades feature everything from marching bands to elaborate floats, traditional Irish dancers to bagpipers. You can purchase parade tickets in advance to secure a good viewing spot.
Irish Dance Shows: Experience the Culture
For those who enjoy cultural performances, there are numerous Irish dance shows scheduled across the state. These shows feature talented dancers performing traditional Irish dances, providing a glimpse into the rich Irish culture.
Live Music: Tune into the Festivities
Many pubs and venues host live music events, featuring both local and international artists. Whether you prefer traditional Irish music or contemporary tunes, there’s something for everyone.
Food Festivals and Pub Crawls: Savor the Flavors
St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some traditional Irish food and drink. Many cities in Illinois host food festivals where you can sample a variety of Irish dishes.
For those who enjoy a good pub crawl, there are several organized events where participants can visit multiple pubs in a single day, enjoying the festive atmosphere and perhaps a pint or two of Guinness.
Running Races: For the Sporty Spirits
For the sporty spirits, there are several running races organized on St. Patrick’s Day. These races often have a festive twist, with participants encouraged to dress in green or wear fun costumes.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Specific Locations
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, Illinois 2024
Chicago, known for its vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, has a host of events lined up for 2024. The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a must-see, with its colorful floats, marching bands, and traditional Irish dancers.
The Chicago River Dyeing Ceremony is another highlight, where the river is dyed a brilliant emerald green, a tradition that has been upheld since 1962.
St. Patrick’s Day in Naperville, Illinois 2024
In Naperville, family-friendly activities take center stage. The city offers a variety of events for children and adults alike. From family-friendly restaurants offering special menus for the day to a range of activities for children, Naperville ensures a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day for the whole family.
St. Patrick’s Day in Springfield, Illinois 2024
Springfield, the capital of Illinois, offers a taste of Irish culture on St. Patrick’s Day. The city hosts several Irish dance shows and live music events, providing a glimpse into the rich Irish heritage. Springfield also offers a variety of Irish food festivals, where you can sample traditional Irish dishes.
St. Patrick’s Day Activities in Specific Locations
St. Patrick’s Day in Naperville, Illinois 2024
Naperville offers a variety of events for children and adults alike on St. Patrick’s Day. From family-friendly restaurants offering special menus for the day to a range of activities for children, Naperville ensures a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day for the whole family.
St. Patrick’s Day in Springfield, Illinois 2024
Springfield, the capital of Illinois, offers a taste of Irish culture on St. Patrick’s Day. The city hosts several Irish dance shows and live music events, providing a glimpse into the rich Irish heritage. Springfield also offers a variety of Irish food festivals, where you can sample traditional Irish dishes.
St. Patrick’s Day in Other Cities, Illinois 2024
Other cities in Illinois also host their own unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Whether it’s a local parade, a pub crawl, or a family-friendly event, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out the local listings for events in your area.
St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Illinois 2024
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest and most well-known parades in the state. The parade route starts at Balbo Drive and proceeds north on Columbus Drive. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and traditional Irish dancers. It’s a spectacle not to be missed!
Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Naperville also hosts a St. Patrick’s Day parade that is a hit with families. The parade features local schools, businesses, and community groups. It’s a great way to celebrate the holiday and support the local community.
Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade
In Springfield, the St. Patrick’s Day parade is a beloved tradition. The parade features local organizations, Irish dance troupes, and bagpipe bands. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Irish Dance Shows and Live Music Events
Experience Irish Culture in Chicago
Chicago, being a cultural hub, hosts numerous Irish dance shows on St. Patrick’s Day. These shows feature talented dancers performing traditional Irish dances, providing a glimpse into the rich Irish culture. Additionally, many pubs and venues host live music events, featuring both local and international artists.
Enjoy the Rhythm in Naperville
In Naperville, you can find a variety of live music events that cater to all tastes. From traditional Irish music to contemporary tunes, there’s something for everyone. The city also hosts Irish dance shows where you can enjoy the rhythm and grace of traditional Irish dances.
Tune into Springfield’s Music Scene
Springfield offers a range of live music events on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you prefer traditional Irish music or contemporary tunes, you’ll find a venue that suits your taste. The city also hosts Irish dance shows, providing a glimpse into the rich Irish heritage.
Food Festivals and Pub Crawls: A Gastronomic Adventure
Savor the Flavors in Chicago
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some traditional Irish food and drink. Many restaurants and pubs offer special menus for the day, featuring dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread.
For those who enjoy a good pub crawl, there are several organized events where participants can visit multiple pubs in a single day, enjoying the festive atmosphere and perhaps a pint or two of Guinness.
Taste the Tradition in Naperville
In Naperville, you can find a variety of food festivals where you can sample a variety of Irish dishes. From hearty stews to delicious desserts, there’s something for everyone. The city also hosts pub crawls, offering a fun and festive way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Feast on Irish Fare in Springfield
Springfield offers a range of food festivals and pub crawls on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you prefer traditional Irish fare or contemporary interpretations, you’ll find a venue that suits your taste.
Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day in Illinois is a vibrant and exciting celebration, filled with parades, dance shows, live music, food festivals, and pub crawls. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, you’ll find a variety of ways to immerse yourself in the Irish spirit. So, mark your calendars for March 17, 2024, and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Illinois style!
FAQs
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17.
St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on the death date of St. Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day in Illinois is celebrated with parades, dance shows, live music, food festivals, and pub crawls across various cities.
Some of the major events include the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Chicago River Dyeing Ceremony, and various city-specific celebrations in Naperville and Springfield.
You can check with local event organizers or visit city-specific websites for the most up-to-date information.
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An aerial picture shot with a drone shows the Chicago River as it flows through downtown after it was dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, Illinois. The dyeing of the river, a St. Patrick's Day tradition in the city, was cancelled last year due to the COVID pic.twitter.com/Iypyhgrj1u
— ladydianadiana (@ladydianadiana) March 17, 2021