Introduction to St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
The annual dyeing of the Chicago River isn’t the only green celebration on tap for the city: Several St. Patrick’s Day parades step off in honor of the holiday.
Overview of Parades and Street Closures
Here’s what to know if you’re in a parade-watching mood downtown and on Chicago’s North or South sides — or if you’re navigating these areas this weekend.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 70th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, billed as one of the largest in the country and led by the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, starts at 12:15 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive then proceeds north to Monroe Street.
Columbus Drive from Roosevelt Road to Wacker Drive will be closed beginning at 8 a.m., as well as east-west streets within those boundaries. Streets within the boundary of Monroe Street between Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive will also be closed.
Security and Entry Points
According to officials, entry to the parade route along Columbus Drive begins at 11 a.m. and will only be permitted at Jackson and Ida B. Wells Drive. All entry points will have security checkpoints where all bags will be checked. Coolers, alcoholic beverages, Camelbaks and personal water bottles will not be permitted.
South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 47th South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a Chicago tradition featuring floats, dance schools, pipe bands and various marchers, steps off at noon on Sunday from 103rd Street and Western Avenue. The parade travels south to 115th and Western in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.
Parade organizers honored Big Shoulders Fund as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Street Closures and Parking
Street closures go into effect beginning at 6 a.m. with no street parking allowed on Western Avenue from 99th to 119th streets. Beginning at 8 a.m., no street parking will be allowed on the east side of Artesian from 103rd to 111th and no parking will be available on Claremont’s west side of the street from 103rd to 107th.
Organizers advise that traffic will be restricted on Western Avenue and surrounding side streets beginning at 9 a.m. In addition, portions of east-west streets leading to Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th will be closed to traffic. Restrictions will lift by 3 p.m.
Safety and Security
"The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is dedicated to ensuring a safe, family-friendly celebration of Irish heritage and culture," organizers said, noting security checkpoints will surround the parade route and people with open containers of alcohol throughout the neighborhood will be fined.
Northwest Side Irish Parade
Also at noon on Sunday, the 22nd annual Northwest Irish Parade "celebrates faith, family and heritage" with approximately 50,000 people in attendance.
The parade steps off from William J. Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven St., in Chicago and proceeds through the city’s Norwood Park neighborhood down Northwest Highway. An afterparty is planned at Zia’s Social, 6158 N. Northwest Hwy.
Parade Route and Street Closures
Northwest Highway will be closed to traffic by 9 a.m., and all vehicles must be removed by 7 a.m. Nagle will remain open.
"We’ll have more surprises for the Northwest Side this year," Daniel Murray, NWSI president, and Elizabeth Murray-Belcaster, NWSI parade organizer, said in a statement, "and with a bit of luck, maybe we’ll even beat last year’s attendance record."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the St. Patrick’s Day parades in Chicago offer a fun and festive way to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. With multiple parades taking place across the city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. However, it’s essential to be aware of the street closures and security measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
FAQs
- Q: What time does the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade start?
- A: The parade starts at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday.
- Q: Where can I enter the parade route along Columbus Drive?
- A: Entry points are at Jackson and Ida B. Wells Drive, with security checkpoints where all bags will be checked.
- Q: Are coolers and alcoholic beverages allowed at the parade?
- A: No, coolers, alcoholic beverages, Camelbaks, and personal water bottles are not permitted.
- Q: What time do street closures go into effect for the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
- A: Street closures begin at 6 a.m. on Sunday.
- Q: Is parking available near the Northwest Side Irish Parade route?
- A: No, all vehicles must be removed from Northwest Highway by 7 a.m. on Sunday.
