Chicago is the 4th largest Irish city in America, and many more of us turn Irish for a day to celebrate the Feast of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Did you know that President Obama is himself part Irish on his mother’s side? The Irish are the largest ethnic group in the city, and Chicago goes all out for it’s annual celebrations. Here are some events for you to put on your green and go make memories!
For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Spring issue, or search our calendar of events!
March 11, 4-5:30pm
Lucky Leprechauns
Arlington Heights: www.ahpd.org
Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W.Fremont St. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by making a small, fairy house for any leprechauns who are tired from all their mischief and planting a leprechaun garden! Ages 6+. $20.
March 13, 11:30am-5pm
Create-a-Craft: Shamrock Showcase
Mount Prospect: 847-253-5675 www.mppl.org
Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 South Emerson St. The luck o’ the Irish and a little creativity will help you put together these art projects for St. Patrick’s Day. Children younger than age 9 must be with adult. No registration necessary; just drop in.
March 13, 9:30-11:30am
Storybook Cooks, The Night Before St. Patrick
Naperville: 630-848-5000 www.napervilleparks.org
Naperville Park District 95th Street Center, Culinary Arts Room 303.Pouring, measuring and mixing make this a fun enrichment program. Please bring an apron. Register by 48 hours in advance. Ages 4-5. $19(R)/$29(N)
March 14, 2-3pm
McNulty’s Irish Dancers
Long Grove:
Paddy’s On the Square 228 Robert Parker Coffin Rd. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in spirit and style with the McNulty Irish Dancers performing on Saturday, March 7 from 2-2:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 14 from 2-3 pm. Wander around Paddy’s On the Square, an Irish specialty shop, which offers an array of music, clothing and gift items from Ireland.
March 14, noon
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago: www.chicagostpatsparade.com
The Parade kicks off at Columbus and Balbo Dr., then heads north on Columbus to Monroe. This family-friendly parade includes Irish dancers, marching bands, bagpipes, floats and more and lasts about three hours. The Parade will be broadcast LIVE this year by ABC-Channel 7!
March 14, 10-11am
Clover Hunt
Lake in the Hills: 847-960-7460 www.lith.org
600 Harvest Gate. Each clover will have a treat attached and one who finds a lucky four-leaf clover will receive a special prize. Registration is not required, just show up for the fun. Free.
March 14, 2pm
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in St. Charles
St. Charles: www.downtownstcharles.org
Main St. 10am – Start your day at the Arcada Theater with performances by local dance studios. 2pm – The St. Patrick’s Parade on Main St./ Rt.64 features Irish dancers, authentic Irish music, floats and more! Get into the Irish spirit and join us Downtown St. Charles!
March 14, noon-2pm
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Racine
Racine, WI: 262-634-6002 www.racinedowntown.com
Main and Sixth streets. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a big parade! Bands, bagpipers, dancers and more.
March 14 & 17
St. Patrick’s Festival at IAHC
Chicago: irish-american.org
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. Our annual family-friendly event starts on Saturday at 1pm and includes traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food, children’s activities and an Arts and Craft Fair. $15/ages 12 & up. Tuesday, March 17 is a day-long celebration from noon-10pm including music, dance and face painting for kids. $10/ages 12 and up.