St. Patrick's Day 2010 in Chicago
When is it?
The parade begins at 12:00pm on March 13, 2010.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! If you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on a budget, this is the perfect event.
Where is it?
The parade runs on Columbus Dr., beginning at Balbo and ending at Monroe. Look at the map to your right.
Why is the parade four days before St. Patrick's Day?
The parade is always held the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day unless the holiday falls on a Saturday. This is because the parade is a family event, so parents and children can attend the parade together without having to worry about work or school.
When is it?
The parade begins at 11:00am on March 14, 2010.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! If you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on a budget, this is the perfect event.
Where is it?
The parade runs from Raven/Neola to NW Highway/Harlem.
What is there to do after the parade?
An after party is at Moretti's (6727 N. Olmsted) at 12:00pm. Food, drinks, and live entertainment, including Irish Music by Steve Davern and Irish Mike Rose await you there.
When is it?
The river will be dyed at 10:45am on March 13, 2010. It can be best viewed from the upper level bridges at Michigan Ave or Columbus Drive.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! If you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on a budget, this is the perfect event.
Where is it?
Find yourself a nice spot on the river between Michigan Ave. and Columbus Dr. See the map below.
How did this tradition begin?
Plumbers in Chicago would use green dye to find the source of discharges in the sewer system. Stephen Bailey, who worked for the plumber's union at the time, saw green dye in the river and had the brilliant idea of dyeing the entire river green for St. Patrick's Day. So for the past 48 years, we have been dyeing the Chicago River green.
Is the dye safe for the environment?
Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee of Chicago keeps the formula of the dye a tightly guarded secret. However, they state that "the formula has been thoroughly tested by independent chemists and has been proven safe for the environment".
What is there to do?
Parade Photos
