Bring your little lucky charms to St. Patrick’s Day events filled with Irish dancers, live music, and all things green. We’re happy to share that all St. Patrick’s Day parades have returned in 2024, alongside gold coin hunts, 5ks, and leprechaun games this spring.
Chicago is world-famous for our St. Patrick’s Day festivities, so we’ve included events in the city and suburbs, too. So put on your shamrock attire and get out to celebrate. Everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Events for 2024
Irish pride is found throughout the city the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t miss a chance to see the Chicago River dyed green or celebrate at one of the parades!
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and River Dyeing
March 16, 2024 | all day festivities
The river is dyed around 10:00am, and the parade kicks off at 12:00pm.
Shamrock’n The Block (Old St. Pat’s Church, Chicago)
March 16, 2024 | 11:00am – 6:00pm
Purchase tickets in advance to guarantee admission to this family-festival. New location for 2024!
South Side Irish Parade
March 17, 2024 | parade steps off at 12:00pm
The South Side Irish parade is the biggest community St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Ireland itself, and it’s known for being a rollicking good time.
St. Patrick’s Day Northwest Side Irish Parade
March 17, 2024 | parade steps off at 12:00pm
The Northwest Side Irish parade may be smaller than its South Side counterpart, but it’s still an impressive parade with local pride on full display.
Choose Chicago also has a great overview of the festivities happening in the city. They’ve included details about the parades, as well as food and drink specials, river cruises, and other ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.
St. Patrick’s Day Events, Parades, and Activities in the Suburbs
St Patricks Day Gold Coin Hunt (Burr Ridge)
March 2, 2024 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Find gold coins at this annual event, which also includes refreshments and crafts.
St Patricks Day Parade (Countryside)
March 2, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Countryside’s annual parade kicks off from 55th Place and Edgewood.
St Patricks Day Parade (Forest Park)
March 2, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Festivities along Madison Street at this family-favorite parade.
St. Patrick’s Day Family BINGO (Wheeling)
March 8, 2024 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Play BINGO and win prizes at this family-friendly event. Registration is required.
Shamrock Storycraft (Darien)
March 9, 2024 | 10:00am – 10:30am
Register in advance for a special St. Patrick’s Day themed storytime with the Indian Prairie Public Library.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Naperville)
March 9, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Naperville’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off with their St. Paddy’s Day 5k, followed by the West Suburban Irish parade.
Thom McNamee Memorial Dundee St. Patrick’s Day Parade (East Dundee)
March 9, 2024 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Visit this annual parade and festivities. Come early to watch the pet parade, Parade Your Pet.
Shamrockin’ Along the Fox River 8K run (St. Charles)
March 9, 2024 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
The race starts and finishes in Pottawanomie Park, including festivities in the park after the race. New updates for 2024: a 1-mile Shamrockin’ Family Fun Walk.
St. Patrick’s Family Day (Aurora)
March 9, 2024 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Join the festivities at Ballydoyle’s Irish Pub with crafts, live music and Irish dancers.
Elmhurst St Patricks Day Parade
March 9, 2024 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Visit downtown Elmhurst for their annual parade.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fest (Lemont)
March 9, 2024 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Stop by the VFW hall after the parade to keep the fun going with live music and Irish dancers.
St. Patrick’s Day at Medinah
March 9, 2024 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Celebrate with games, crafts, music and other activities. Registration suggested.
St. Patrick’s Parade (Downtown St. Charles)
March 9, 2024 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Festivities proceed down Main Street at St. Charles’ annual parade.
Running o’ the Green 8k (Tinley Park)
March 10, 2024 | 8:00am
Put on a green shirt and stretch those legs at this annual 8k event.
DIY Leprechaun Trap (Westchester)
March 11, 2024 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit the Community Center for drop-in arts and crafts activities.
St. Patrick’s Day Storytime & Craft (Palatine Public Library)
March 12, 2024 | 10:00am – 10:30am
Register in advance for festive storytime fun.
Minute to Win It: St. Patrick’s Day Games (Wheaton Public Library)
March 12, 2024 | 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Register in advance for family-friendly games and activities.
Leprechaun Story Stroll (Schiller Park Public Library)
March 12, 2024 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy an indoor storytime stroll, which also includes refreshments. Register in advance.
Crafternoon: Leprechaun Trap (Schaumburg Township District Library)
March 13, 2024 | 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Make a leprechaun trap before St. Patrick’s Day. Drop-in.
St. Patrick’s Day Storytime & Craft (Palatine Public Library)
March 13, 2024 | 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Register in advance for a spot at this festive storytime.
St. Patrick’s Day Party (West Branch, Aurora Public Library)
March 14, 2024 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Visit the library for special St. Patrick’s day festivities.
Shake Your Shamrock (Roselle)
March 14, 2024 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Enjoy a dance party, gold coin hunt, and special St. Patrick’s Day crafts. Registration required.
Baby’s Lucky Leprechaun (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood)
March 14, 2024 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm
Enjoy a messy St. Patrick’s day celebration with your littlest ones.
St. Patrick’s Day Craft (Downers Grove Public Library)
March 15, 2024 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Drop in for special St. Patrick’s Day crafts, while supplies last.
Luck of the Little Ones (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood)
March 15, 2024 | 10:00am – 10:45am
Enjoy special St. Patrick’s Day storytime. Register in advance.
Leprechaun Hunt (Clarendon Hills)
March 15, 2024 | 12:30pm – 1:15pm
Hunt for leprechaun clues on the playground and collect gold for prizes. Register in advance.
St. Patrick’s Day Fun (Wheaton Public Library)
March 15, 2024 | 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Learn Celtic traditions and activities. Register in advance.
Pot of Gold Climb (Hoffman Estates)
March 16, 2024 | 8:00am – 5:00pm
Climb for treasures and treats at The Club at Prairie Stone. Register in advance.
Clover Craft (Hanover Park)
March 16, 2024 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Visit the Community Center for special St. Patrick’s Day crafts. Free, but register in advance.
St. Paw-trick’s Day (Naperville)
March 16, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Visit Whalon Lake for pet photo opportunities, games and fun St. Patrick’s Day activities.
Pot of Gold Park Stroll (St. Charles)
March 16, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Walk the path through Mt. St. Mary’s Park searching for hidden treasures and earning prizes. Register in advance to ensure participation.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Palatine)
March 16, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Traditional breakfast and more festivities at this annual event.
Trinity Irish Dancers (Downers Grove)
March 16, 2024 | 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Watch and join the traditional dance performances at Downers Grove Public Library.
St. Patrick’s Day Procession and Annual Irish Flag Raising Ceremony (Aurora)
March 17, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Head to downtown Aurora for the city’s 2nd annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
St. Patrick’s Day Splash (Park Ridge)
March 17, 2024 | 12:15pm – 1:00pm
Centennial Park’s pool will be filled with St. Patrick’s Day games and special activities.
Leapin’ Leprechauns (Downers Grove)
March 17, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Register in advance for a chance to play Irish games, and hunt for clovers at Lyman Woods.
Hometown Irish Parade (Plainfield)
March 17, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit downtown Plainfield for their annual parade.
Trinity Irish Dancers (Woodridge Public Library)
March 17, 2024 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
Try Irish dancing after watching a traditional performance.
St. Patrick’s Day Party (Eola Road Branch, Aurora Public Library)
March 17, 2024 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit the library for special St. Patrick’s day festivities.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you!
Irish Proverb
To submit a photo of your kids decked out for the holiday, email Annie at annie@mykidlist.com. We love featuring local families! For more fun things to do with your family, check out our spring activities round-up.
