St. Patrick’s Day officially arrives March 17, but here are some ways to celebrate the green scene this weekend:
Chicago’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at noon March 14 at Balbo and Columbus. The dyeing of the river is set for 9:15 a.m; check it out from the Michigan Avenue bridge or the west side of Wacker Drive between Michigan and Columbus. Visit chicagopatsparade.com
More than 300 objects never before seen in public will be featured in the Art Institute’s new exhibit: “Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design, 1690–1840,” (showcasing fine and decorative arts from 18th century Ireland) opening March 17. Visit www.artic.edu
On Sunday, head to South Western Avenue for the South Side Irish Parade. The fun steps off at at noon at 103rd Street and proceeds down Western Avenue to 115th Street. Visit www.southsideirishparade.org.
FitzZGerald’s (6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. Berwyn) hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day Party starting at 2 p.m. March 14 an featuring Switchback, Dooley Brothers, Beatles Night (with Scott Ligon, Casey McDonough, Tony Kidonakis, Joe Camarillo), Cannonball, Shannon Rovers plus Mayer School Stepdancers. $15. Visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com
The Hard Rock Café Chicago (63 W. Ontario) is hosting the 7th Annual “Get ShamRocked” bash on March 14, a free celebration featuring live music by The Hat Guys, and bagpipe performances by The Chicago Pipe Band and The Shannon Rovers. Admission to the all-ages celebration is free. The fun starts at 11 a.m. The event will raise funds and awareness for Misericordia, a non-profit organization that provides care for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Visit www.HardRock.com/Chicago
Northlight Theatre, at the Northshore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, kicks off previews March 13 of John Patrick Stanley’s rom-com “Outside Mullingar.” Directed by BJ Jones the play tells the story of Anthony and Rosemary, two introverted misfits. Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, oblivious to the longing of his neighbor Rosemary, who hopelessly pines for him as the years slip away. With Anthony’s father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary fears romantic catastrophe. These two eccentric souls scramble their way towards happiness. Tickets: $25-$78. Visit northlight.org
Find each of the six “Lucky Charms” at The Original Mother’s (26 W. Division), She-nannigans (16 West Division), Bootleggers (13 W. Division), Mother’s Too ( 14 W. Division), The Lodge Tavern (21 W. Division) and The Hangge-Uppe (14 W. Elm), and take a photo of each one. Post all the photos to social media with the hashtag #DublinOnDivision and you’ll be entered to win a Pot O’Gold containing $500 to be given away at 9 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day at She-nannigans. The winner must be present and participants must be 21 and over. Visit www.RushAndDivision.com.
The Irish-American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) is the place to be March 14 for its annual St. Patrick’s Festival (following the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade). This massive family-oriented annual event includes traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food, children’s activities and an Arts and Craft Fair, with vendors selling Irish gifts. The fest runs 1 p.m. to midnight with local and international music groups including the Dooley Brothers, Trinity Academy of Irish dance, Wiggleworms, the Chancey Brothers and more. Tickets $12-$15; kids 12 and under, free. Visit www.irish-american.org.
