Mar 13, 2025 - Things to Do
How to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago without the crowds
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
First Lady's St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise. Photo: First Lady Cruises
New Orleans has Mardi Gras. We have St. Paddy's Day!
After all, one of the greatest scenes in film history was shot in the middle of the famous parade.
Zoom in: Here's a list of St. Paddy's celebrations for foodies, families, teetotalers and more.
For the diehards (and us!)
- My colleague Moyo will brave the throngs of green Saturday (so you don't have to) and board the St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise on the First Lady. The two-hour cruise starts at 10am and includes two drinks, corned beef sandwiches and, of course, a front row seat to the river dyeing ($179).
- We'll take plenty of photos, so don't forget to check our Instagram!
The classics
- The South Side Irish Parade (free) gets a lot of attention, but let's not forget about the Irish American Heritage Center on the Northwest Side.
- They go all out for the holiday with music, dancing, food and plenty for the kids at 11am Saturday. ($15 in advance or $20 Saturday).
- Party from sunrise to sundown at The Shamrock Crawl, which includes breakfast and a T-shirt. Saturday 8am-8pm in Wrigleyville. (Tickets start at $59)
Close to the fun but not too close
- Before all hell breaks loose downtown, take a free walking tour Friday at 1pm. It ends with happy hour at an Irish Pub. (Free)
- Secure a prime viewing spot at Beatnik on the River for a table of 10 people, plus two bottles of booze and St. Patrick's food specials! ($1,000)
Impress at the party
- Daisies has a St. Paddy's assortment that will definitely impress your host or guests. It includes a corned beef and cabbage rye, Irish cream & Guinness and chocolate-malt "pot of gold" croissants and iced shamrock sugar cookies. ($35)
Kickin' it in the 'burbs
- Pull up a seat for St. Charles' annual parade at The Graceful Ordinary for corned beef, classic Irish coffee and their "Greener Pastures" cocktail.
The next day
- Nurse the hangover — or just have a refined day — with Afternoon Tea prepared by Bittersweet, including Irish soda bread, clams casino with Guinness cream and shamrock macarons. ($105)