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 2023, 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!
St. Patrick’s Day Events for Kids
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Events for 2023
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 11, 2023 | all day festivities
The river is dyed around 10:00am, and the parade kicks off at 12:30pm.
Shamrock’n The Block (Old St. Pat’s Church, Chicago)
March 11, 2023 | 11:30am – 5:30pm
Purchase tickets in advance to guarantee admission to this family-festival.
South Side Irish Parade
March 12, 2023 | 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 12, 2023 | 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 4, 2023 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Find gold coins at this annual event, which also includes refreshments and crafts.
St. Patrick’s Family Day (Aurora)
March 4, 2023 | 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 4, 2023 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Visit downtown Elmhurst for their annual parade.
St Patricks Day Parade (Countryside)
March 4, 2023 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Countryside’s annual parade kicks off from 55th Place and Edgewood.
St Patricks Day Parade (Forest Park)
March 4, 2023 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Festivities along Madison Street at this family-favorite parade.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fest (Lemont)
March 4, 2023 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Stop by the VFW hall after the parade to keep the fun going with live music and Irish dancers.
Running o’ the Green 8k (Tinley Park)
March 5, 2023 | 8:00am
Put on a green shirt and stretch those legs at this annual 8k event.
Shamrocks and Rainbows: A Night of St. Patrick’s Day Fun (St. Charles Public Library)
March 10, 2023 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm
Join the St. Charles Public Library for a night of St. Patrick’s Day-themed crafts and activities.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in St. Charles
March 11, 2023 | all day
St. Charles has a variety of celebrations happening on March 11, 2023. We have details about Shamrockin’ Along the Fox River 8K run, and Mt. St. Mary Park’s Pot of Gold Park Stroll, as well as the St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown St. Charles.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Naperville)
March 11, 2023 | 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.
Free Clover Hunt (Hanover Park)
March 11, 2023 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Search for clovers to earn prizes. Sessions available by age group.
Trinity Irish Dancers (Woodridge Public Library)
March 11, 2023 | 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Drop in to watch traditional Irish dancers, then give it a try, too!
Leapin’ Leprechauns (Downers Grove)
March 12, 2023 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Register in advance for a chance to play Irish games, and hunt for clovers.
Leprechaun Hunt (Oak Park)
March 12, 2023 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Hunt for leprechaun clues and enjoy a delicious lunch at Pleasant Home.
St. Patrick’s Day Procession and Annual Irish Flag Raising Ceremony (Aurora)
March 12, 2023 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Head to downtown Aurora for the city’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Hometown Irish Parade (Plainfield)
March 12, 2023 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit downtown Plainfield for their annual parade.
St. Patty’s Day Bingo (Bartlett Park District)
March 15, 2023 | 9:00am – 6:00pm
Test your luck at family-friendly games of BINGO.
Corkl (The Village Club of Western Springs)
March 17, 2023 | 11:50am – 1:30pm
Irish-themed gathering with lunch and live music hosted by Western Springs Rotary Club.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day (The FORGE: Lemont Quarries)
March 18, 2023 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Listen to live music, bagpipes, eat Irish food, and much more at this all-day festival.
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.
