2008 Chicago Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Where and When

Noon: Saturday March 15th.

Our Downtown Chicago Parade begins at 12:00 noon, Saturday March 15th. The South Side Chicago Parade takes place March 9th as stated by recent news reports.

Why is the parade not held on Saint Patrick's Day? A little background is in order here. The parade is the Saturday before the actual calendar date of Saint Patrick's Day. This allows families to participate in the festivities without having to remove their children from school. We know this causes confusion and problems for those of you visting our city specifically for this grand holiday. For example, in 2007, Saint Patrick's Day fell on a Saturday, allowing us to celebrate on the actual date, but for future reference please remember that we hold the parade the Saturday before the actual date of Saint Patrick's Day.

Parade Route

The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus. The parade units will proceed north on Columbus Drive and the viewing stand will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain.

Dyeing the Chicago River

10:45am: Saturday March 15th.

This is scheduled for 10:45, Saturday March 15th and can be best viewed from the upper level bridges at Michigan Ave or Columbus Drive.

Public Transporation

Highly Recommended!

We strongly recommend that you come downtown early and if possible take public transportation.

The following are directions to the parade using various public transport methods:

Blue or Red Lines:
If you are on the "Blue" or "Red" line, please exit train at any of the loop stops and walk east to Columbus Drive.
www.transitchicago.com
Brown, Green or Orange Lines:
If you are on the "Brown", "Green" or "Orange" lines then exit at any of the stops along Wabash and walk east to Columbus Drive.
www.transitchicago.com
Metra:
If you are coming in on Metra, exit Union Station and walk 7 blocks east to Columbus Drive.
www.metrarail.com
Bus:
For specific bus route information contact the CTA for best instructions to downtown Chicago.
www.transitchicago.com

Driving Instructions

The following are driving directions from various areas in Chicagoland:

From North or Northwest:
Enter downtown Chicago via I-94, you can exit and go east at Washington, Monroe or Congress Pkwy. Look for parking either at Wells or Wabash.
From West:
Take 290 east onto Congress Pkwy. Look for parking before you get to Michigan Ave, there will be plenty on your right.
From South or Southwest:
Take 94 into the loop, exit at Congress Pkwy, Monroe or Washington. Look for parking at Wells or Wabash.

If you need more specific driving directions try the Mapquest link below. Simply enter your address into the 'Starting Address' section on the left of the Mapquest page. The center of the parade route (400 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago, Illinois) will be entered for you.
www.mapquest.com

Parking Information

For Handicapped parking needs, your best bet may be the underground parking below Grant Park, enter on Columbus at Randolph. There is parking at the Hilton located at Balbo and Michigan, one block from start of parade.

Additional parking can be found along Wells between Lake and Van Buren. Parking can also be found along Wabash between Lake and Congress. (This is closest to the actual parade route.)

There is additional parking at Navy Pier which places you about a half mile from the parade route. Be advised that The Flower and Garden Show is also Navy Pier taking place the same week as the parade.

Parking near Randolph places you nicely between the river dyeing and the parade route.

Parking fees can range from $5.00 to $20.00 depending on the lot. We do not have specific pricing information. These prices are estimates only. Your costs may vary.