Your guide to St. Patrick's Day parades in Chicago

Today: St. Patrick's Day at Gallagher Way features Irish dancing, music, lessons, face painting, Irish coffee, beer and lots of Guinness (11am-3pm).

Saturday, March 16: Watch the dyeing of the river between Columbus Drive and State Street starting at 10am.

• The downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off at Columbus and Monroe at 12:15pm featuring bands, performers, dancers and lots of politicians for about three hours.

Sunday, March 17: Catch the two-hour South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade stepping off at noon from 103rd and Western and heading south.

• Also at noon the Northwest Side Irish Parade celebrates its 21st year with dancers, musicians and family fun stepping off from Onahan Elementary School (6634 W. Raven).
• Check out our locals' guide to enjoying both the South and Northwest Side parades.