How to Watch and Attend the 2024 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Mar 5, 2024

Today we’re sharing our tips and tricks about the 69th Annual 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Chicago, and best places to watch it along with other fun ways to celebrate the occasion! The Chicago St Paddy’s Day Parade is the largest one in the whole US, and we’re very proud of that fact. We’ll be covering where to catch the parade, more information about VIP access, and recommendations for local Irish eateries afterwards. It’s all right here on today’s blog.

This year’s theme is “Mental Health is Essential”, and the guest of honor is none other than Mr. Patrick Kennedy, who served as a congressman from 1995 through 2011, and has been one of the leading voices in supporting mental health and addiction treatment access and awareness. The parade theme highlights the work of The Kennedy Forum and also commemorates the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA or Parity Act), requiring health insurance carriers to ensure coverage parity between Mental Health and Substance Use disorders and medical/surgical benefits; it was the signature achievement of Rep. Patrick Kennedy’s 16 years of work in Congress.

The focus of 2024’s theme is to highlight that everyone’s mental health is critical and vital part of their overall health and wellbeing! The theme will guide the achievement of The Kennedy Forum’s national 90/90/90 goal: By 2033, 90% of all individuals will be screened for mental health and substance use disorders, 90% of those screened will be able to receive evidence based treatment, and 90% of those receiving treatment will be able to manage symptoms in recovery. If you’d like to help support the cause and learn more, visit www.thekennedyforum.org

The grand marshall of this year’s parade is Peter O’Brien, Sr., President and CEO of MADO Management.He was born and raised right here in Chicago to a family of Irish roots, and he has become a community and civic leader as well as national advocate for mental health and substance use treatment equity. His company, MADO, is named in honor of his parents Mary and Dan O’Brien.

This year’s Parade Queen, Grace, was chosen by a panel of judges and she will be making her 2024 Parade debut!

You can catch the parade on Saturday, March 16th starting at 12:15PM, with a live broadcast on ABC 7 Chicago. It will also be live streamed on ABC7CHICAGO.com and the ABC 7 News App.

If you’d like to catch the river dyeing, you’ll want to get a spot along the Michigan Avenue Bridge, between Columbus Drive and State Street before 10AM. And the best views are from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks. Please note, businesses along the Riverwalk will be closed on Parade Day, and the stairwells leading to the lower riverwalk will be closed.

Public transportation to and from the parade is recommended due to the high volume of visitors and parade viewers, and multiple street closures; CTA train stations in the Loop are walking distance from the parade procession route. he parade will kick off at Grant Park before marching its way North on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive, so make sure you arrive early to get a prime spot! Entry to the parade route begins at 10AM and will only be allowed at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells.

The main Viewing Stand is located at the Buckingham Fountain, and this is where dancers and bands will pause to wave to attendees, so you’ll want to arrive early to secure the best spot. Grandstand VIP Seating is $65/seat to be purchased in advance, and the grandstand will open at 10:30AM. March 15th at 8AM is the last day to purchase tickets no refunds will be given, and ticket + ID is required for entry.

Security will be checking bags and personal items such as purses; note that coolers, alcohol of any kind, open beverages, and personal water bottles won’t be allowed.

The Northwest Side Irish Parade will be taking place on March 17th 2024 at 12PM starting between Northwest HWY and Raven. Parade participants will arrive at 10AM, and the parade will kick-off at 12PM for bystanders and onlookers. Check out their Facebook Page for more information.

The Southsiide Irish Parade will be on March 17th starting at 12PM and will kick off at 103rd and Western Avenue, and march south to 115th and Western. The parade is approximately two hours long , and full event details, including events before and after, can be viewed on their website.

May every petal of the shamrock bring you joy and good luck

We hope you all have a happy, fun, and safe trip to the parade this year.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Classic Auto Group!