jacquieandryan 
St. Patty’s Day is around the corner and we all know that St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is an all out party! So here are some ideas for fun activities and date ideas to make your St Patrick’s Day Celebration in Chicago even better. Plus we even have a few ideas if you are staying home.
Chicago River Dyeing
Go watch the iconic Chicago River dyeing! An annual tradition since 1962 where they dye the river green the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. This year the river dyeing is set to begin at 10am. You will want to get to the riverwalk extra early to see the dyeing in action, but don’t worry if you’re not an early bird the river stays green up to 24-48 hours.
Venteux
Michigan Avenue’s glitzy French brasserie located just steps away from the Chicago River, will be offering downtown visitors multiple ways to indulge all week long in honor of St. Patrick’s Day with Irish-inspired brunch, shamrock cookies, St. Patrick celebratory cocktails and more:
Brunch – with chef-driven dishes as well as $20 bottomless mimosas and rose. The team will offer a special Corned Beef Hash on 3/12 and 3/13. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nightcap – head bartender Robby Mack will be serving up the ‘Irish Maiden’ for a limited time, crafted with Jameson Irish Whiskey, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and muddled cucumber (available 3/12 & 3/17).
For a quick pick-me-up on the way to the river dyeing, stop by Venteux’s stunning daytime cafe and pick up tasty treats like buttery croissants, breakfast sandwiches and colorful Shamrock cookies
@venteuxchicago on Instagram
The Forge Lemont Quarries
St. Patrick’s Weekend Celebration is back at The Forge! Join them for live music and Irish food & booze all weekend long. On March 19th & 20th, their limited seating dining experience will feature your favorite Irish bites along with Irish music from Small Batch & The Irish Music School of Chicago! Looking for more of an adventure? Their St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt is a great way to go hunting for gold.
@theforgelemont on Instagram
The Dearborn Tavern
Celebrate the day at this Irish-owned restaurant! They are offering specials March 11th, 12th, and 17th. Enjoy classic Irish meals like shepherd’s pie, housemade corned beef Reuben and Pork Belly Colcannon. 145 W Dearborn St, Chicago IL
@thedearbornchi on Instagram
Pendry- Elevated Irish Classics & Whiskey Flights
Nestled on the Mag Mile just down the street from the Chicago River, Bar Pendry is a must-stop for a special St.Patrick’s day feast during the day-long celebrations on Saturday, March 12th. Fuel up with a decadent breakfast of Wagyu Corned Beef Hash Burrito with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, and a side of Irish Cheddar Mornay. Looking for a bite post river-dyeing? Bar Pendry will also be offering Wagyu Corned Beef Reuben Sliders and in true Irish spirit, whiskey flights featuring Green Spot Chateau Montelena, Green Spot Leoville Barton Bordeaux Finish, and Red Breast 15 for $22. Whiskey flights will be available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to continue the festivities all weekend long.
@pendrychicago on Instagram
Jojo’s Shake Bar
Try their adorable and delicious themed shakes! The St. Patrick’s Day menu starts March 7th- March 20th and offers two shakes. The Get Lucky Shake which has Andes mint chocolate shake, rainbow sugar cookie, pot of gold godo, and a green chocolate covered pretzel, and the Lucky Charms Hot Chocolate that is topped with a chocolate marshmallow, clover s’more, and green chocolate covered pretzel. Multiple locations: River North- 23 W Hubbard St, Water Tower Place- 835 N Michigan Ave, and Naperville- 5 Jackson Ave.
@jojosshakebar on Instagram
She-nannigans
This Irish pub is offering food and drink packages starting at $25 on Saturday, March 12th from 9am-12pm. The drink ticket gives you access to Miller, Coors, and Tito’s. 16 W Divison St, Chicago, IL 60610
@shenanniganshob on Instagram
The J Parker
This restaurant will be hosting an event that has an unlimited food buffet, open bar, and special St. Patrick’s Day signature cocktails. Enjoy beautiful views of Lincoln Park while celebrating the day. 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
@jparkerchicago on Instagram
Publican Quality Meats
Corned Beef & Irish Fry Kits – Fuel up for at the downtown activities with a meaty lineup of Irish favorites courtesy of acclaimed Butcher Rob Levitt and the city’s premier gourmet butcher shop, Publican Quality Meats (Food & Wine: “Best Butcher Shops in America,” November, 2020). Available for pickup at the Fulton Market storefront, Rob’s Slagel Family Farms Corned Beef is already brined, cooked, and ready to go for your own Irish feast, or if you’re looking to kick off your St. Patty’s day with festive fare first thing in the morning, grab PQM’s Irish Fry Kit for two, featuring traditional favorites like both black and white pudding, Irish sausages, and thick-cut Irish bacon.
@publicanquality on Instagram
Publican Quality Breads
Gourmet Irish Soda Bread from Award Winning Baker Greg Wade – James Beard Award-winning Baker Greg Wage of Publican Quality Bread is sharing his take on the traditional homemade Irish Soda Bread with all this St. Patrick’s Day. The tender crumbled loaf leavened with baking soda instead of yeast features rye flour from Spence Farm, a dollop of goat cheese for added moisture, and hints of caraway seed and dried shallots. The loaves will be available for pre-order through Tock with pickup at Publican Quality Meats for $16. *Orders must be placed at least four days in advance of desired pickup.* 3/12-3/19
@publicanqualitybread on Instagram
Stan’s Donuts & Donuts
Indulge in some seasonal goodies March 10th-17th from Stan’s. Their seasonal sips are green mint hot chocolate, Irish cream cold brew and cold foam, mint oreo shake, and mint cold brew and cold foam. Also, special donuts that include chocolate emerald dipped, chocolate green mint dipped, green river glazed, and Irish cream bismark.
@stansdonutschicago on Instagram
Charm’d Irish Pop-up Bar
This pop-up is located in Duece’s MLB Bar in Wrigleyville. Have a magical experience with tons of photo ops and of course Irish themed cocktails! 3505 N Clark St, Chicago IL
@Charmd_bar on Instagram
Happy Camper
Happy Camper is offering a bottomless drink package and pizza buffet on Saturday March 12th. The drink package will offer draft beer, house red/white wine and well drinks with standard mixers.You can enjoy this event at either of their locations, Wrigleyville from 8am-11am and Old Town from 9am-12pm.
@happycamperchicago on Instagram
Gallagher Way
Celebrate St. Patty’s day with an afternoon of activities including live music, performances by Trinity Irish Dancers, lawn games, etc on Sunday, March 13 from 11am-3pm.
@gallagherwaychi
LG’s Bar & Kitchen
This place has so much to offer for St. Patrick’s day! To kick off the weekend joining them Friday, March 11th at 5pm for the “who’s your paddy!” event offering Irish Pints and Power’s Whiskey Shots $5. Saturday, March 12th they are having a Parade Day Ticketed Event from 9am-1pm and with your GA tickets you will receive 5 drink vouchers. On Sunday, March 13th they are having the “Hair of The Dog & Selection Sunday” event that is offering appetizer platters, $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas, and $15 Mimosa Carafes. Oh and don’t miss out on the deals on St. Patrick’s Day Thursday, March 17th. They will have Fish & Chips and $5 Irish Pints, Green Beer, and Whiskey Shots. 1525 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
@lgschicago on Instagram
Ocean Prime
Watch the Chicago river dyeing from amazing views at Ocean Prime. Enjoy their delicious St. Patrick’s Day menu Saturday, March 12th from 11:30am-2:30pm. Make sure to make reservations to get a great seat. 87 E Wacker Dr, Chicago IL 60601
@oceanprime on Instagram
Chicago River Cruise
Take a cruise down the Chicago River and have a one of a kind perspective of the emerald green water. All while enjoying themed cocktails and the city views. Search St. Patrick’s Day Clover Cruise ($105 per person) or St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing Cruise ($65 per person).
@cflcruises on Instagram
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago
Get up early and grab a good spot to watch the parade! It has been canceled the past two years, so expect a big turn out this year. It is on Saturday, March 12th and begins at 12 pm on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive.
Irish American Heritage Center Festival
Following the parade head to the Irish American Heritage Center to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day festivities for $17 per person from 1pm-11:30pm Saturday, March 12th. They are offering traditional contemporary Irish music, dance, food, drink for purchase, children’s activities and an Arts and Crafts fair. 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago IL
@iahcchicago on Instagram
Shamrock’n the Block
The Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church is hosting their annual pop-up block party on March 12th from 12pm-6:30pm. They willyou have live music, Irish dance, bagpipes, Irish fare, children activities, and more. 711 West Adams St, Chicago, IL 60661
@oldstpatschicago on Instagram
At Home Movie Date
If don’t want to get in all the craziness of St. Patrick’s day or are planning on staying home try watching a movie and having themed drinks with your partner. You can watch a movie that is filmed in Ireland or has to do with St. Patrick’s Day, for example P.S I Love You or Leap Year, while drinking Irish Creme Coffee. You can make this drink with coffee, Irish Whiskey, and Irish Creme.
Art & Craft Adult Style
Get your favorite wine or Irish cocktail and color Celtic Knot coloring pages! You can find these on amazon or even print off some copies. You can even turn on some irish music to really get in the spirit.
