Saturday is a big day in Chicago as the city kicks off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations today with the dyeing of the Chicago River. The annual event draws hundreds of thousands of people, and this year, the city is stepping up security measures. NBC 5’s Kate Chappell has the latest.
St. Patrick’s Day festivities will draw hundreds of thousands of people downtown on Saturday morning, but the city is making some major changes to their security procedures to keep party-goers safe.
The annual dyeing of the Chicago River will be a bit different this year, as the Riverwalk will be closed until 11 a.m. Those wanting to see the event can still line up along Wacker Drive, as well as Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive, but space will be a bit more limited than in previous years.
The security in downtown will be even more strict around the parade route, as there will only be two points of entry around Grant Park. Entry points will be limited to Ida B. Wells Drive and Jackson Boulevard, and all purses and bags will be checked.
n9 a.m. March 16
nThousands attend the iconic annual Chicago River Dyeing and Downtown Parade. For more than 40 years, members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union have turned the river a bright emerald green for about five hours by dumping dye off the sides of boats. One of the best locations to watch the dyeing is at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.
nNoon March 16
nRain or shine, the parade steps off at Balbo and Columbus, proceeding north. Typically, if St. Patrick's Day doesn't fall on a Saturday, the parade is held the Saturday before the holiday.
nNoon March 17
nThose who wish to attend both the South Side and Downtown St. Patrick's Day parades are in luck, considering they both fall on different days. The 2019 South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off from 103rd and proceed along Western Avenue to 115th Street.
n11:30 a.m. March 11
nA half-hour before the South Side Irish Parade, up to 500 runners can partake in a one-mile race down Western Avenue. Every runner receives beads and green running sunglasses at the finish line. Register here.
nNoon March 17
nThe 16th annual Northwest Side Irish Parade starts around William J. Onahan School (6634 W. Raven St.) at N. Neola Ave and W. Raven St. Proceeds from the parade go to community charities.
n1 p.m.-12 a.m. March 16
nThis annual festival at the Irish American Heritage Center blends music, dance, food and activities all under one roof immediately following the Downtown Parade. Revelers wishing to celebrate the holiday can come early and stay late, beating the bar crowds and cold weather. Tickets can be purchased by calling 773-282-7035, ext. 10 or here.
n10 a.m. March 16
nRunners can leap into St. Patrick's Day by participating in the 18th annual St. Paddy's Day 5K/8K run, formerly known as the Leprechaun Leap. Participants are encouraged to dress in all things green. Register here. Proceeds benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
n8:30 a.m. March 24
nThe Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle kicks off Chicago's running season with a fun 8K race and 2-mile walk through the city's Loop, starting and finishing in Grant Park. Register here.
n8 a.m-2 p.m. March 16
nComplete with a breakfast buffet, a gift card to use along the crawl, a free t-shirt and more than 15 bars to enjoy in Wrigleyville, this could be considered the ultimate St. Patrick's Day bar crawl. For tickets, visit here. All tickets include a selection of freebies.
nMarch 11-17
nThe ShamROCK Chicago 2019 will protect the city’s title as the “Greenest City in the World” by lighting up some of the city's most iconic buildings, monuments and streets. Check out the full list of participants who will light up green in support of ShamROCK Chicago 2019here.
Additionally, coolers and alcohol will not be allowed into the area.
“Additional private security, additional police security, and additional city workers will be present on the Riverwalk,” OEMC executive Rich Guidice said.
The CTA will also be tightening restrictions, adding more security to train platforms and banning alcohol consumption on trains and buses. The agency is even advising riders to leave backpacks and bottles of water at home.
Local
The river dyeing will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday morning, and the downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade will follow at noon.
