Chicago THIS Weekend...St. Patrick's Day

[JenniferJJ]

I've been to Chicago several times, so I know the usual places to see and eat. But I'm wondering if there are special things to see/do this coming weekend. I am going with a friend and her co-workers (who I have not met) and we are staying at the hostel. I want to watch the St. Patrick's Day parade. Anything else special this weekend pretaining to St. Patrick's Day or not?

One request: some of them want to hit a bar Friday night. I've been to Kingston Mines. Any other bars you would suggest? Something Irish that wouldn't be too crazy Friday night? I'm all for a crowd that gives a lot of energy, but if's its so crowded that you can't move... (or maybe that's all you're going to get Friday night.

My friend told me there are fireworks at night - she thinks Navy Pier, but I don't know if that's every weekend or maybe it was just for a certain time of year or special occasion.

TIA

[erinl]

Okay, I got a HUGE laugh out of "something Irish, but not too crazy" That absolutely will not exist this weekend. Fado is fun, but I'd get there early. I'm totally blanking on other Irish bars, although I know there are many. I don't think there will be any fireworks this weekend. Navy Pier does them every Saturday in the summer, but I'm pretty sure it's too early.

[chicagoamy]

issuing a big disclaimer here...not a fan of st pat's annual mess....

but here is a link to most of the details

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/holiday/stpatricks/

[ChristyMarie]

Okay, I got a HUGE laugh out of "something Irish, but not too crazy" That absolutely will not exist this weekend.

Ditto that. This weekend will be an insane party all over the city. We have friends doing the bar scene Saturday night and we turned down their invitation. I have no desire to do it this year.

Kitty O'Shea's in the Hilton is fabulous - low key, live music - but get there early or the line will be insane this weekend.

[JenniferJJ]

Uh, oh. Now I'm wondering if I will really want to go. The only St. Patrick's thing I wanted to do was watch the parade. Other than that, I wanted to have Chicago-style pizza, visit Sur La Table, Marshall Fields/Macy's on State Street, visit Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Oak Park and just walk around and enjoy the architechture, attend the flower show at one of the conservatories. Should I just go another weekend? It won't even be that warm - even next weekend will be in the 50s, much warmer.

[Kristal]

Uh, oh. Now I'm wondering if I will really want to go. The only St. Patrick's thing I wanted to do was watch the parade. Other than that, I wanted to have Chicago-style pizza, visit Sur La Table, Marshall Fields/Macy's on State Street, visit Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Oak Park and just walk around and enjoy the architechture, attend the flower show at one of the conservatories. Should I just go another weekend? It won't even be that warm - even next weekend will be in the 50s, much warmer.

If you're looking for a low-key weekend, I would definitely visit another time. I know I will not be venturing too far from home myself on Saturday, as I can't stand the crowds/ rowdiness on St Patrick's Day. :rolleyes:

[erinl]

Go another weekend. I lived in the Printer's Row neighborhood right near the hostel for 5 years and I hated these weekends. I love downtown and all it has to offer, but I would totally hole up during Taste of Chicago, etc.