Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parades are this weekend: Here’s all you need to know

Get your green ready, Chicago — the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are Saturday and Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know about the festivities, including where and when they’re taking place, so you know where to go (or where to avoid) this weekend.

When is the Chicago River being dyed green?

Chicago Plumbers Local 130 will dye the Chicago River green at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. The best views to watch are near Upper Wacker Drive and North Columbus Drive, according to the union.

When is the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade?

The downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the organizers. Entry to the parade route opens at 11 a.m. at Jackson Boulevard and Ida B. Wells Drive.

What’s the parade route for the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade?

The parade is set to start at East Balbo Drive and South Columbus Drive, near Grant Park and move north on South Columbus Drive past viewing stand in front of the Buckingham Fountain, according to the organizers, and end at South Columbus Drive and East Monroe Street, near Maggie Daley Park.

What items aren’t allowed at the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade?

Parade-goers will have to pass through a security checkpoint to enter the parade, according to the organizers. Coolers, alcohol, open beverages, camelbacks and personal water bottles won’t be allowed past security.

When is the Chicago South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day parade?

The Chicago South Side Irish Parade starts at noon Sunday and will go about two hours, according to the organizers.

Where is the Chicago South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day parade?

The South Side Irish Parade will kick off at 103rd Street and Western Avenue in Beverly and proceed south to 115th Street and Western Avenue.