How to View the 2023 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Mar 6, 2023

Today we’re sharing our tips and tricks about the 68th Annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2023, 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.

2023’s Guest of Honor is CLLR Danny Collins, Mayor of Cork County Ireland, and the theme of the parade will be “Recognizing Workers Rights”. The grand marshall of this year’s parade is Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO. Unions have long championed for living wages, quality healthcare, and retirement benefits for workers, among other things, and that’s why Business Manager James F. Coyne, The Parade Committee, and Plumbers Local 130 are all so proud to celebrate this year’s theme, which highlights the importance for workers to have those rights. The City of Chicago is also very proud to have a history supporting workers, and further honors the many essential workers who gave so much and put forth great effort to care for our communities during the pandemic; the city maintains its ongoing commitment to workers rights for well paid jobs, benefits, and safer workplaces.

You can catch the parade on March 11th starting at 12:30, 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.

Public transportation to and from the parade is recommended due to the high volume of visitors and parade viewers. The 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 it’s prime viewing. Grandstand VIP Seating is $60/seat to be purchased in advance, and the grandstand will open at 11:30AM. March 10th at 9AM is the last day to purchase tickets, and it closes at 9AM; 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 Northside Irish Parade will be taking place on March 12th 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. The Parade will also be hosting its official afterparty at Zia’s Social. Check out their Facebook Page for more information.

The South Side Irish Parade will be on March 12th starting at 12PM to 3PM, 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.

If you’re looking to continue the celebrations post parade and well into the next week, we recommend headin over to the following restaurants and bars on St Patrick’s Day the 17th for some official Irish meals and treats: