Your 2022 South Side Irish Parade Survival Guide

CHICAGO — The 2022 South Side Irish Parade is back after a two-year pandemic pause this Sunday, March 13. We've gathered the parade highlights, weather forecast, historical context and pretty much anything else you'll need or want to know before you head out to the parade. Follow our guide below and have a great Parade Day.

The Details

• When: The parade starts at noon on Sunday, March 13
• What: Features 100 entries
• Where: Western Avenue in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. The parade will begin at 103rd Street and will run all the way to 115th Street.

Weather Report

• High: 44°
• Low: 18°
• Partly cloudy

Getting There

Driving is not recommended as parking will be limited. If you are in the area, it's best to walk. Metra’s Rock Island Line 103rd Street/Beverly Hills and 111th Street/Morgan Park stations are within walking distance of the parade route down Western Avenue. Details about train service for are available on Metra.

Street Closures

Western Avenue will be closed between 99th Street and south of 115th Street beginning as early as 9 a.m. Cross streets 103rd and 111th are also likely to be closed near Western, possibly as far west as Kedzie and as east as Longwood. Side streets near Western between 99th and 115th may also be closed as early as 9 a.m. as the crowds gather.

Parking Restrictions

Beginning at 6 a.m., there will be no street parking allowed on Western Avenue from 99th Street to 119th Street. At 8 a.m., there will no street parking allowed on the east side of Artesian from 103rd to 111th.

Parking restrictions are expected to be lifted by 3 p.m.

Zero-Tolerance!!!

The parade had a two-year hiatus earlier this decade after rowdy crowds and heavy drinking put a damper on the family event. When the parade returned, it was with a strict no drinking policy. Police and private security personnel will be out in full force, stopping anyone with alcohol. You will also be banned from having alcohol on the Rock Island Metra before the parade.

If you're caught with open alcohol, fines of up to $1,000 for open containers of alcohol may be imposed. Security checkpoints staffed by private security and the Chicago Police Department will be surrounding the parade route. Also, anyone who witnesses a crime or encounters drunk behavior during the parade should call 911.

Grand Marshall

“Thankful for Catholic Elementary School Teachers” salutes the dedicated men and women who educate, encourage and inspire youth each and every day, representing ten area Catholic schools: Christ the King, Holy Redeemer, Queen of Martyrs, St. Barnabas, St. Cajetan, St. Gerald, St. Germaine, St. John Fisher, St. Linus, St. Walter/St. Benedict. These educators will march as a unit representing teachers, administrators and principals that the South Side Irish Parade Committee honors as the unsung heroes who commit themselves to Catholic education and dedicate their lives to our children and to our community.

Parade Honoree

The Tom Hopkins Foundation started in 2014 by the children of Tom “Papa Hops” Hopkins, who passed early due to cancer. The foundation has supported over 50 families throughout the community that have been affected or impacted by cancer with monetary support to help bring joy during their difficult time. The foundation aims to keep Papa Hops’ passion for youth athletics alive by hosting an annual 16-inch softball tournament held in July at Kennedy Park to benefit families affected by cancer with a portion of the proceeds going to various Catholic school athletic departments to purchase equipment, uniforms or even facility upgrades hoping to inspire youth athletics while honoring Papa Hops legacy of giving back.

Honored

Misericirdia home is being honored in recognition of its 100th year of service, which the South Side Irish Parade was unable to honor the organization in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Parade Committee Co-Chairs

Don Larisey and Tim McSweeney.

Parade Queen

Bailey O’Connell (selected in 2020 first chance to participate due to Covid restrictions).

Parade Sponsors

Lakeshore Beverages, Guinness, Green River, Local 150, Chicago White Sox, ComEd, Mercedes Benz of Orland Park, County Fair Foods (home of barrel bulk style corned beef) Flood Brothers, Express Med Spa, Ozinga, McCready Law, Local 11 Roofers & Waterproofers, Local 399, OSF Little Company of Mary Hospital, Goose Island, South Side Irish Imports, Marquette Bank, Home Run Inn, Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn, Beverly Review, Local 130 and the Chicago Cook County North America Building Trades Union.

Schedule Of Events

• 9 a.m. - Floats begin staging on Western Ave.
• 11:45 a.m. - Ribbon cutting ceremony. Catholic School Teachers and Tom Hopkins Foundation representative Liam Hopkins cut the ribbon to kick off the parade at 103rd and Western Ave. They will be joined by Consulate General of Ireland Consul General Kevin Byrne and Irish Ministry of Public Works TD Patrick O'Donovan walking with Gaelic Park.
• Noon - Parade steps off at 103rd and Western Ave., marching to 115th and Western Avenue. The parade is expected to last two hours.

Parade Highlights

• 14 pipe and drum and marching bands including Environmental Encroachment, a mobile brass band and performance art group
• Irish dance schools
• Chicago Police Honor Guard
• Chicago Police Memorial Foundation
• Original Baby Buggy Parade Float From 1st South Side Irish Parade in 1979
• South Side Olympian Athletes - Hockey Kendall Coyne and Abbey Murphy
• Red & white Ozinga concrete mixer truck, 4th generation family-owned business
• Windy City Ghostbusters - enthusiasts make and wear movie-accurate costumes
• Fire Museum of Chicago old-fashioned Engine 10
• Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade Group
• CTA Mini-bus
• Floats with live Irish music
• Local parishes, Irish family floats, numerous community organizations.

Family Time

The South Side Irish Parade would be nothing without great family traditions. Read about a few of them here. Several others will be celebrating their anniversaries at the parade. Meet a few of the couples who met at South Side Irish parades of years past.

Pro Tips

You will want to claim your spot on Western Avenue early before the parade steps off. Wear comfortable shoes because unless you live close to the parade route you'll likely be doing some walking. Green attire is a must.

After The Parade

While you are out and about, make it a point to stop in at a local business and give back to the merchants who support the event. Although some may be closed on Sunday for the Parade Day holiday.

Popular local businesses on the parade route include County Fair, DiCola's Seafood and Klees Golf Shop and Franconello.

If the bar scene is for you, there are plenty of fine Irish taverns on the west side of the street to choose from.

Portable Restrooms

Please use the portable restrooms that will be provided near the parade route.