The do’s and don’ts of making the most of St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

There might be no holiday that the city of Chicago embraces with open arms more than St. Patrick's Day.

While the official St. Patrick's Day is not until Tuesday, March 17, Chicago will host most of its celebrations on Saturday, March 14. Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. with the famed dyeing of the river, which typically lasts about 45 minutes. 

The dyeing will be followed by the launch of the main Chicago parade at 12:15 p.m., starting at the intersection of Balbo and Columbus Drive and proceeding north to Monroe Street.

With so much going on, it can be a little overwhelming for first-timers visiting the Windy City. So to help guide you on your journey this year, here are a few crucial do’s and don’ts for the big day that are sure to lead you to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Do: Prepare for any and all weather

Technically, the spring solstice is not until Friday, March 20, but for most Chicagoans, St. Patrick’s acts as a quasi Groundhog Day; a warm day can mark the beginning of summer while a cold one can foretell another six weeks of winter. Regardless of the outcome, the weather is always unpredictable at the intersection of changing seasons, so be prepared for anything the Windy City might throw at us.

Don’t: Plan on driving

With a multitude of parades, street festivals, and a whole city on the move, traffic is always sure to be a nightmare on St Patrick’s Day, so get into a car with caution. If possible, most will be better off using public transportation, with the city announcing they are adding additional trains and buses on Saturday to accommodate the extra volume.

Do: Visit the river dyeing & parade

If you have never checked it out, the river dyeing and the St. Patrick's parade are two of the most iconic events that Chicago has to offer throughout the year. Crowds along the river cheer on the boats as they turn the river Kelly Green, while the parade features some of the city's favorite organizations and is great for kids and families.

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 Don’t: Go to trendy bars or clubs

While there is a time and place for everything, St Patrick's Day may be one time where you're best off skipping the glitzy bars of the West Loop or the darkly lit ambience of a River North club. Instead, embrace the neighborhood pub or the Irish watering hole that Chicago does so well. If nothing else, the price for a beer will have you thanking yourself. 

Do: Check that the places you want to visit don't require reservations 

With an entire metropolis out and about on a single day, it is imperative that you do some planning ahead of time. Many of downtown's top spots require entry tickets on St. Patrick's Day, and even places that don’t normally require reservations may change their policies for the holiday. So be sure to take the time to map out which establishments you want to visit and ensure you can get in.

Don’t: Wear shoes or clothes you value

Combine unpredictable weather, a city full of drunk midwesterns who have been cooped up all winter and large crowds, and you have a recipe for some spills and chaos at any time. For this reason, it is best to be conscientious about what you wear. Embrace the holiday with your most festive outfit, but it might be best to leave the brand new Jimmy Choo’s or your favorite Lulu’s at home.  

Do: Be careful in big crowds

While St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is a ton of fun just by how holistically the citizens of the city get behind the holiday, big crowds can also, unfortunately, sometimes mean additional danger and a need for added caution. This does not mean you cannot go out and enjoy yourself, but it is important to keep your head on a swivel in crowds. It may be best to ensure you stay with a group and watch for pickpockets while keeping mindful of exit routes and nearby first responders in case help is needed.