Real Estate by Julia Hart

You have lots of places to choose from if you’re looking for some Saint Patrick’s Day weekend fun on Saturday or Sunday!

Downtown Chicago River Dyeing:

The dyeing of the river will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The task usually takes about 45 minutes to complete, and the bright green color can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the weather.

The best place to watch the Chicago River turn green is along Upper Wacker Drive between State Street and Columbus Drive. The lower Riverwalk will be closed, except for select ticketed events.

City of Chicago Parade:

The city’s  St. Patrick’s Day Parade  starts off at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at Columbus and Balbo drives in Grant Park. The parade will go north on Columbus Drive to Monroe Street. Entry to the parade route along Columbus Drive will begin at 11 a.m. and will only be permitted at Jackson and Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly Congress Drive). All entry points will have security checkpoints, leave your alcohol, water bottles and firearms at home.

South Side Irish Parade:

This perennial fan-favorite event starts at Noon on Sunday, March 16. It steps off at 103rd and Western Avenue, Chicago. The Big Shoulders Fund will be honored as Grand Marshal and The Mount Sion Program at Brother Rice High School will be recognized as the Special Honoree. southsideirishparade.org.

Suburban FUN:

Palatine – Durty St. Pat’s Celebration – Palatine: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at Durty Nellie’s, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Starts with a traditional Irish breakfast, followed by a parade, which steps off at 11 a.m. at the corner of Wood and Oak streets, then heads west and ends at Durty Nellie’s, where the Epic After Party continues at noon with traditional Irish food, music, dancing and more.  durtystpats.com.

East Dundee – Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade:  Starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15. Steps off at Rosie O’Hare’s, 702 Water St., East Dundee. Parade includes an Irish pet parade, circus acts, Irish dancers, costumed leprechauns competition, face painting, Irish music and more.  dundeestpats.org.

St. Charles – St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Starts 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, in downtown St. Charles. The parade travels down Main Street, starting at Sixth Street and ending at Fourth Avenue. There’s an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. with an Irish dance performance, face painting and entertainment at First Street Plaza. Also, Shamrock Hunt, Lucky Photo Stations and more. stcstpatricksparade.com.

Credit to CBS News and the Daily Herald for event information.