St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago: The Best Neighborhoods to Celebrate!
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St. Patrick’s Day in Chicagoland is more than just a celebration—it’s an experience unlike any other. With a deep Irish heritage and a love for festivities, Chicago and its surrounding suburbs go all out, turning the city green in more ways than one. Whether you’re looking for a lively parade, a traditional Irish pub, a family-friendly way to enjoy the holiday, or you're young with an inexperienced liver looking to make long-lasting, regrettable yet epic memories,
Here are the best neighborhoods to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago!
1. Downtown Chicago: The Heart of the Celebration
Every year, the city turns the river into a vibrant shade of green, a beloved tradition that has been dazzling crowds for over 60 years. If you're planning to catch this spectacle in 2025, mark your calendar for Saturday, March 15. The best viewing spot is near State and Columbus, and the dyeing starts at 10 a.m.—but if you want a prime spot, arriving an hour early is a smart move. Trust me, the crowds gather fast for this legendary event!
The downtown area also hosts the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which draws thousands of spectators to enjoy marching bands, Irish dancers, and bagpipers. The parade follows the dyeing of the river.
After the parade, grab a drink at an Irish pub like The Gage or Fadó Irish Pub to keep the festivities going! Whether you’re toasting to good luck or just fueling up for the rest of the day’s adventures, these spots are perfect for soaking in the holiday cheer. For a full rundown of parades happening throughout Chicago, check out this NBC link highlighting celebrations across the city. From the Northside to the Southside, Chicagoans bleed green on this day.
2. Beverly: A True Irish Enclave
Beverly, located on the city’s South Side, is known for its strong Irish American community and hosts the South Side Irish Parade, a beloved neighborhood tradition. This family-friendly event offers a more community-oriented alternative to the downtown parade, complete with bagpipes, floats, and plenty of green. Afterward, stop by Cork & Kerry or Barney Callaghan’s for an authentic Irish pub experience.
Need help figuring out a way to get there besides driving? There are five stations in Beverly that go through the Metra at 91st, 95th, 99th, 103rd and 107th. If you prefer the CTA (shocker) you can take the Red Line (oh yeah) to 95th & Roseland. Or you can go by bus, the CTA 95, 103, and 112 route run full-time, while the 9, 349, and 381 run part-time.
3. Wrigleyville: A Party Hotspot
If you’re looking for a more energetic St. Patrick’s Day celebration where the streets are filled with popular & famous bars, Wrigleyville is the place to be. This neighborhood, known for its bustling sports bars and vibrant nightlife, hosts themed bar crawls and festive specials throughout the weekend. Many of the bars, including Murphy’s Bleachers and Sluggers, go all out with green beer, live DJs, and special St. Paddy’s Day promotions.
Most people who aren’t driving will take the CTA Red Line to get off at Addison. If you’re coming from the Northside, you'll take the redline south to 95th. Southsiders coming up north will head towards Howard.
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Another option is to service through the bus routes. The 152 stops at the intersection of Clark & Addison (Right in front of Wrigley Field).
4. Naperville: A Suburban Celebration
For those who prefer a suburban celebration, Naperville offers a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day Parade, complete with local bands, Irish dancers, and community floats. After the parade, enjoy a meal and a pint at Quigley’s Irish Pub, a Naperville staple known for its traditional Irish fare and lively atmosphere. Families can also enjoy kid-friendly festivities, including face painting and live entertainment.
5. Forest Park: A Small-Town Irish Feel
Forest Park is home to one of the most underrated St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Chicagoland. The Forest Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade features festive floats, Irish dancers, and plenty of community spirit. Madison Street, the neighborhood’s main drag, is lined with welcoming pubs like Molly Malone’s and Shanahan’s, where you can enjoy a pint and some live Irish music.
6. Northwest Indiana: A Hidden Gem for Celebrations
Psst... just outside Chicago (and closer than Naperville, but you don’t see us claiming the city name 😉), Northwest Indiana has its own stash of St. Patrick’s Day treasures. Crown Point and Hammond throw lively parades and Irish-themed events, while spots like Kelsey’s Irish Pub in Valparaiso dish out hearty Irish fare and pints to match.
If you want all the fun with fewer crowds, Northwest Indiana is a solid bet for an unforgettable St. Paddy’s celebration. Crown Point and Hammond both host parades and Irish-themed events, while pubs like Kelsey’s Irish Pub in Valparaiso serve up hearty Irish dishes and drinks. If you’re looking for a lively but less crowded celebration, Northwest Indiana is worth the trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a massive parade, an energetic bar scene, or a quieter, family-friendly way to celebrate, Chicagoland has something for everyone on St. Patrick’s Day. No matter where you go, don’t forget to wear green, enjoy some Irish food, and raise a glass to the luck of the Irish!
Sláinte! 🍀
