The final weekend of astronomical winter has arrived, with St. Patrick's Day festivities headlining activities in around Chicago this coming weekend.
Here's a look:
Chicago River Dyeing
WHAT: This is the 70th year The Chicago Journeymen Plumber’s Local 130 has dyed the Chicago River green as part of St. Patrick's Day celebration.
WHERE: A quarter mile stretch between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street.
WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.
Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Local
WHAT: Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the largest in the country, featuring colorful floats, marching bands and Irish dancers.
WHERE: Kicks off on Columbus Drive, heading north through Grant Park.
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WHEN: Saturday, March 15th, 12:30 p.m.
South Side Irish Parade
WHAT: The 47th annual South Side Irish Parade is billed as the largest community-based parade on St. Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland.
WHERE: Kicks off at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western.
WHEN: Sunday, March 16, 12 p.m.
Northwest Side Irish Parade
WHAT: The 22nd annual Northwest Side Irish Parade celebrates faith, family and heritage on the northwest side of Chicago.
WHERE: Kicks off at Neola and Raven, travels to Northwest Highway and heads towards Harlem Avenue.
WHEN: Sunday, March 16, 12 p.m.
Irish American Heritage Center
WHAT: The Irish American Heritage Center celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a two day long festival featuring Irish musicians, dancers, bagpipers and more.
WHERE: 4626 North Knox Avenue, Chicago
WHEN: Saturday, March 15 & Monday, March 17
Holi: Hindu Festival of Colors
WHAT: The Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts is hosting Holi, a Hindu festival of colors, which commemorates the return of spring.
WHERE: Chicago Women's Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL
WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 4 p.m.
Comedian Carlos Mencia
WHAT: Carlos Mencia is a Honduran-American comedian, who often tackles politics, race relations, culture and criminal justice.
WHERE: Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, IL
WHEN: Thursday, March 13 - Sunday, March 16
Comedian Martin Lawrence
WHAT: Best known for his TV show, "The Martin Lawrence Show," actor/comedian Martin Lawrence brings his standup routine to Chicago for one night.
WHERE: Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC, 525 S. Racine Ave, Chicago, IL
WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m.
Concert: Il Volo
WHAT: Hailing from Italy, IL VOLO, features Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble, who first got their start 15 years ago as young prodigies in the Eurovision competition.
WHERE: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago, IL
WHEN: Friday, March 14, 8 p.m.
Concert: Lúnasa
WHAT: Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival, Lúnasa was formed in 1997 from members of some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade.
WHERE: Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. · Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall
WHEN: Saturday, March 15 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Concert: Gaelic Storm
WHAT: Gaelic Storm is an American Celtic band that blends traditional Irish music, Scottish music, and original tunes in both the Celtic folk and Celtic rock genres.
WHERE: House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL (Marina City)
WHEN: Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15, 6:30 p.m.
