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Chicago is ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day parties are happening this weekend, beginning Saturday with the 61-year tradition of dyeing the Chicago River.
CHICAGO - It's Irish weekend in Chicago!
St. Patrick's Day celebrations will kick off Saturday, starting with a tradition that dates back to 1962 – dyeing the Chicago River green.
The process will begin at 10 a.m. between the Columbus Drive and Orleans Street bridges.
During that time, bridges will be closed to spectators, however, the Columbus, LaSalle and Orleans bridges will remain open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
It's a highly anticipated display that draws crowds each year – rain or shine.
St. Patrick's Day in Chicago: What you need to know
St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is a sight to behold.
The Chicago Riverwalk will be closed starting Friday at 11 p.m. and will reopen Sunday at 6 a.m.
For a prime viewing spot, it's recommended that spectators arrive early. The river dyeing can be viewed along the river from Upper Wacker Drive.
All the while, bars will be filling up with patrons thirsty for green beer, including Hoyt’s, located at the Royal Sonesta Chicago, which will open at 10 a.m.
Executive Chef John Rudolph is planning to host an elevated experience at the downtown hotel Saturday, featuring spectacular views of the Chicago River, homemade corned beef, Lucky Charm pancakes, and Irish-inspired craft cocktails.
The pre-ticketed event at Hoyt’s is already sold out.
Meantime, the downtown Irish Parade is set to dazzle spectators starting at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. It will begin at Balbo and Columbus Drive, then proceeding north to Monroe Street. Entry to the parade route opens at 11 a.m., only at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive. Security will check all bags and purses. Coolers, alcohol, open beverages, camelbacks, and personal water bottles will not be allowed.
People gather on the banks of the Chicago River dyed green in Chicago, the United States, on March 12, 2022. The Chicago River was dyed green on Saturday to celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick's Day, which is marked on March 17. (Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua via Getty Images / Getty Images)
In the suburbs, the party was already getting started Friday at The Harp & Fiddle in Park Ridge.
"We have a full schedule of musicians and dancers," said Declan Stapleton, owner of The Harp & Fiddle. "Granny comes, grandad comes, the aunts and uncles and parents, and it’s fantastic."
The festivities will continue all day Saturday and they’ll be far from over come Sunday.
"Really for the next week, because we’re looking at it like a 10-day festival for us," said Stapleton. "We’ve got corned beef in various iterations, Shepard’s pie, homemade Guinness stew, fish and chips is a huge thing."
The Northwest Side Irish Parade will begin Sunday at noon at Onahan School, where Irish dancers will once again take center stage.
"We just love getting out there and performing and expressing our love for the culture of Irish dance," said Laurel Golden, parent of two Irish dancers.
The South Side Irish Parade is also taking place on Sunday, kicking off at noon at 103rd Street and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th Street. The parade is set to wrap up at 3 p.m.
"Dedicated to community and to celebrating Irish heritage, the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day parade is the largest community-based parade on St. Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland," the organizer’s website states.
For a full list of St. Patrick's Day festivities, click here to review our "St. Patrick's Day: What you need to know" guide.