Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in Chicago: Check the South Side Irish Parade Route and Parking Tips

Chicago is gearing up for a weekend filled with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, with the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade taking center stage on Sunday, March 16, in the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods. What began in 1979 as a small community event has grown into the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade outside Ireland rooted in a local community, drawing thousands of residents and visitors each year. The parade kicks off at noon at the intersection of 103rd Street and Western Avenue, heading south to 115th Street. The festivities extend beyond Sunday, with Saturday featuring the dyeing of the Chicago River and the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, making this a citywide cultural highlight.

The weekend starts on Saturday, March 15, with the 70th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Grant Park and the iconic river dyeing, turning the Chicago River a vivid green starting at 10 a.m. On Sunday, the South Side Irish Parade brings a family-friendly vibe, showcasing bagpipe bands, Irish step dancers, and local groups along its route. Scheduled the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day—officially Monday, March 17—the timing allows Chicagoans to maximize participation in these beloved traditions.

In Beverly and Morgan Park, families with deep Irish roots are already planning gatherings along the parade route. The event promises crowded streets as locals host parties, emphasizing the need for smart transportation and parking strategies to fully enjoy the celebration.

South Side Irish Parade route and schedule

The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade follows a straightforward path, starting at noon from 103rd Street and Western Avenue and proceeding south to 115th Street, lasting roughly two hours. Spanning the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods—areas rich with Irish heritage—the parade has been a tradition for over 40 years. This year, the Big Shoulders Fund will serve as Grand Marshal, while the Mount Sion Program from Br. Rice High School is named Special Honoree.

Spectators can expect a lively lineup featuring marching bands, Irish-themed floats, and cultural performances. Organizers emphasize a zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior, such as public intoxication, ensuring the event remains welcoming for families and all attendees.

How to get to the South Side parade

Getting to the South Side Irish Parade requires some forethought, especially for those traveling from across Chicago or its suburbs. Public transit stands out as the best option, particularly the Metra Rock Island Line, with stops at 99th Street, 103rd Street, 107th Street, 111th Street, and 115th Street—each about a mile west of Western Avenue. Alternatively, CTA users can take the Red Line to the 95th Street terminal and transfer to a #95 or #103 bus heading west.

Driving is less ideal, though accessible via Interstate 57 with exits at Halsted Street or 111th Street, followed by a westward trek to Western Avenue. Parking will be scarce, as side streets fill up with partygoers and residents. Arriving early and scouting residential areas is advised for those set on bringing a car.

Highlights of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend offers a mix of events celebrating the city’s Irish heritage. Saturday kicks off with the Chicago River dyeing at 10 a.m., viewable from Upper Wacker Drive between State Street and Columbus Drive, with Orleans Street, Columbus Drive, and LaSalle Street bridges open for pedestrians. The downtown parade follows at 12:30 p.m., running from Columbus and Balbo drives to Monroe Street, with security checkpoints barring coolers and alcohol. Sunday’s South Side Irish Parade, meanwhile, keeps the focus on community, welcoming all ages with local flair.

The river-dyeing tradition dates back to 1962, when Plumbers Local 130 used a dye to trace leaks, stumbling upon the perfect Irish green. Now a city icon, it draws crowds annually. On the South Side, the parade reflects Beverly’s Irish pride, rooted in generations of settlers who’ve made it a cultural cornerstone.

Practical tips for enjoying the South Side Irish Parade

Making the most of the South Side Irish Parade calls for a few key strategies. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Arrive early: The parade starts at noon, but prime spots fill up fast—aim for 10 a.m. to secure a good view.
• Opt for public transit: Metra or CTA beats the hassle of parking, especially with limited street availability.
• Pack smart: Bring sunscreen, water (in permitted containers), and portable chairs for comfort during the two-hour event.
• Skip driving if possible: Side streets will be packed with locals hosting events, shrinking parking options.

After the parade, visitors can explore Beverly and Morgan Park’s bars and eateries, many serving Irish staples like corned beef and Guinness.

Full schedule of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day events unfold over the weekend before the official holiday. Here’s the lineup:

• Saturday, March 15: Chicago River dyeing at 10 a.m., followed by the downtown parade at 12:30 p.m. in Grant Park.
• Sunday, March 16: South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade at noon, from 103rd Street to 115th Street on Western Avenue.
• Monday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day itself, with smaller celebrations at bars and cultural spots citywide.

The weekend timing accommodates broader attendance, given the weekday holiday this year, showcasing Chicago’s dedication to its Irish legacy.

What to expect at the South Side parade

Tens of thousands are expected to line Western Avenue for the South Side Irish Parade, blending tradition with community spirit. Look for bagpipe bands like the Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band to lead the way, followed by Irish step dancers and festive floats. The CBS News Chicago team will join in with their own float, adding to the excitement.

Launched in 1979 by a handful of residents, the parade has ballooned into a national draw while staying true to its neighborhood roots. This year’s edition promises to uphold that legacy, with a robust turnout anticipated.

Transportation and parking alternatives

Drivers heading to the South Side Irish Parade should brace for challenges. Street closures around Western Avenue, from 99th to 115th Street, begin at 9 a.m., with restrictions possibly reaching Kedzie and Longwood. Parking in residential zones is an option, but spaces vanish quickly due to high demand—early arrival is critical.

The Metra Rock Island Line offers frequent service from downtown’s LaSalle Street Station to Beverly and Morgan Park stops, making it the top choice. For broader access, pairing the CTA Red Line with local buses provides a solid backup, dodging the traffic crunch expected Sunday.

Cultural impact of St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago transcends parades and green rivers, spotlighting the city’s rich Irish heritage. Home to one of America’s largest Irish-American populations, Chicago uses the occasion to celebrate its diversity. Neighborhoods like Beverly, tied to 19th-century Irish immigration, turn the weekend into a showcase of music, food, and tradition.

The South Side Irish Parade stands apart from the downtown event’s tourist appeal, offering a cozier, community-driven experience. While Saturday draws crowds to the city center, Sunday’s South Side celebration connects deeply with local history and pride.