South Side Irish Parade Kicks Off Festivities With Pre-Parade Party

CHICAGO – One of Chicago’s most well-known traditions, the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will kick off the festivities with a pre-parade party to inspire the Spirit of Saint Patrick on Saturday, Feb. 25. The event will feature the selection of the South Side Irish Parade Queen, live Irish music, buffet food, beverages and much more. The party will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 West 115th St., Merrionette Park.

Admission includes a dinner buffet, draft beer and wine. Live music of Liam Durkin and 4Cast will be featured inside the Performance Hall. The fun evening celebrating Irish heritage will also offer a quieter approach with Irish traditional music sessions featuring Pat Finnegan and Friends. Proceeds from the fundraising event help offset operating expenses to produce the annual parade set for Sunday, March 12.

Tickets are $40 at the door or available for purchase in advance online at the parade website store

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“We are delighted to bring back the South Side Irish Kick-Off Party for the first time since 2020, a festive event that helps raise funds to keep our tradition alive of marching down Western Avenue,” said Marianne Rowan Leslie, this year’s co-chair of the parade committee. “We also encourage families and businesses to consider purchasing a street pole banner as a great way to both honor your name and show your support for the Parade.”

Businesses and residents can also purchase a customized street pole banner at the parade store.

The South Side Irish Parade Queen will be announced at the pre-parade Party. The parade queen will be prominently featured in the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade and also ride in the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11, be entered in the Chicago Rose of Tralee Selection.

About The South Side Irish Parade:

The parade is operated by the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, where more than 100 volunteers work year-round to ensure this family-friendly celebration continues for future generations.

The parade is generously supported by major sponsors including Tullamore D.E.W. the official Irish Whiskey of the Parade; Lakeshore Beverage, Dunkin’ the Official Parade Coffee, Ozinga, Chicago City Soccer Club, The Beverly Review, IUOE Local 399, Chicago White Sox, MediSpa, Local 150, Ullico Inc., Flood Brothers, Home Run Inn Beverly, ComEd, County Fair Foods, Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn, OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center, Mercedes-Benz of Orland Park, Marquette Bank, Megent Financial, NASCAR Chicago Street Race, Guinness, BudLight, Green River, Roofers and Waterproofers Local 11, and South Side Irish Imports and more.

Keep up with South Side Irish Parade happenings on Facebook for more information about the parade and kickoff party.