Chicago's St. Patrick's Day 2009 - Top Picks

34th Annual Forever Green - Friday, March 6

Forever Green packs Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom all for a good cause - a benefiting charity and a St. Patty's Day kick-off. 21+ only.

The Chieftains - Sunday, March 8

Six-time Grammy winners bring their traditional Irish music to Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Avenue.

Chicago Irish Film Festival - Friday, March 6 to Wednesday, March 11

The 10th annual festival of Irish film will take place at the Beverly Art Center, 2407 W. 111th Street, Chicago, IL.

Dyeing the Chicago River Green - Saturday, March 14

For more than 40 years, we've been dyeing Chicago's River green. Find out how the tradition got started and where the best spots are to view this year's event. See a step-by-step photo tour of how Chicago dyes its river green for St. Patrick's Day.

Chicago South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade - Sunday, March 15

Chicago's Annual South Side St. Pat's Parade is said to be the largest neighborhood parade outside of Dublin, Ireland. Find what you need to know to enjoy it to its best, including tips for attending, times, how to book a bus ride there, the parade route, and more.

South Side Irish Parade Day Family Fest - Sunday, March 15

The Beverly Art Center hosts this annual festival during the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade. The family-friendly party includes children's movies, food, drinks, beverages, and "a warm place to view the parade."

Irish American Heritage Center - St. Patrick's Events All Month Long

The IAHC at 4626 N. Knox hops this time of year. The biggest events are on Friday, March 13, Saturday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 17. Learn more about this huge facility dedicated to celebrating Irish culture with the link above or go directly to their website to find their March listing of events.

FitzGerald's St. Patrick's Day Celebration - Tuesday, March 17

Family-friendly, day-long musical celebration because, as FitzGerald's points out, St. Patrick's Day is on a Tuesday, not Saturday or Sunday.

St. Patrick's Day Millionaire Raffle from the Illinois Lottery - March 17

Every year the Illinois Lottery sells a set number of tickets at $20 and draws four millionaires on St. Patrick's Day. Dare to test the luck (or lack thereof) of the Irish.

The Shamrock Shuffle - Sunday, March 29

This popular 8K run and 5K walk departs from and returns to Chicago's Grant Park. The registration cap of 32,500 has been met and registration is now closed.