Chicago’s Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade

What’s a holiday without a parade? How about one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country? Downtown Chicago’s official St. Patrick’s Day Parade is just that. Join in the Chicago tradition that celebrates its 61st anniversary this year. Rain or shine, it begins on Columbus Drive and moves north through Grant Park for roughly three hours, beginning at Balbo Drive and ending at Monroe Drive.

Don your best green outfit—or a kilt if you dare—and embrace all Chicago has to offer for those Irish at heart. Plan on seeing plenty of colorful floats waving their green/white/orange flags high, troops of Irish step dancers in their requisite curls, booming marching bands and bagpipers, and, of course, many a novelty t-shirt.