The 7 Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Illinois!
Bustling cities and small towns across Illinois come together each March 17 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Parades are held throughout the state to honor Irish heritage with traditional Irish food, dances, music and more. From dyeing the Chicago River to running in Leprechaun Leap, Illinoisans continue to uphold these St. Patty’s Day traditions. Here are a few great places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the state.
Inn at Irish Hollow, Galena, IL
For a romantic St. Patrick’s Day away from large crowds, the Inn at Irish Hollow is the ideal destination. Here you can stay in a quaint cottage with a stone fireplace and whirlpool spa. This intimate bed and breakfast also offers seasonal dishes prepared from organic produce straight from the garden.
Banditos Barney’s Firework Show, Dundee, IL
As part of the Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Banditos Barney’s presents a spectacular firework show over the Fox River each year. The Dundee Scotts Bagpipes kick off “The Most Shamrocklicious Firework Show You’ll Never Forget” and a glow-in-the-dark juggler adds even more wow-factor to the performance. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this after-dark St. Patty’s Day event.
Chicago Shamrock Crawl, Chicago, IL
Go bar hopping in Wrigleyville at the Chicago Shamrock Crawl. Tickets include a breakfast buffet, green t-shirt, and lots of free giveaways. The Shamrock Crawl hits up all the best bars in Wrigleyville including Old Crow, Full Shilling, Moe’s, and several others.
Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Elmhurst, IL
If you love parades, put Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade on your destination list. This local festivity features Irish dancers, marching bands, animated characters, and over 80 floats. The parade is second largest St. Patty’s Day parade in the Chicagoland area.
Galena St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Galena, IL
For small town charm and family-friendly activities, head to the Galena St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade, which features floats, marching bands, local team mascots, and more.
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Corned Beef Luncheon, Lake Villa, IL
This northern Illinois St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at Palombi School and ends on Cedar Avenue at the Train Station. The annual corned beef luncheon is held afterward at the Lake Villa VFW hall.
Irish American Heritage Center St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Chicago, IL
There’s never a dull moment at the Irish American Heritage Center’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This large celebration draws in thousands of visitors and features Irish step dance performances, contemporary Irish music, food, Irish gifts, children’s activities, and even an arts and crafts fair!
