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It’s been nearly two years since Chicagoans have dressed up in all green garb to celebrate the highly anticipated weekend without any COVID-19 mandates set in place. So it’s expected that the city will come out in full force and show its green backside.
On Saturday, March 12, the Chicago River will be dyed green, so that means let the St. Patrick’s Day parties begin in Chicago!
For some Black people, it’s like, should we really care about this Irish holiday? It gives mad party-crashing vibes, as if we’re not supposed to be outside going hard like that.
But a lot a Black people do celebrate the holiday every year. So for those who plan to keep the party going this year, where should we go? Surely, there must be a few places this weekend where we can find people who look like us — beautifully melanated, listening to music that we recognize.
So, The TRiiBE created an alternative, very Black guide to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago this weekend.
Whether you’re sticking to the green theme, or running as far away from it as possible, we’ve compiled a St. Paddy’s Day Weekend guide to suit whatever you have in mind.
For those of you who DON’T plan on dressing in green, here are seven events you can check out. (Scroll down for those of you who DO plan on celebrating the holiday).
1. Queenology - Spoken Word Dope Poetry & Open Mic
One of the longest running inspirational open mics in Chicago, this event is sure to inspire and uplift. It’s being held in Roger’s Park at the Red Room Comedy Club, located at 7442 N. Western Ave from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11. Tickets are still available.
2. Rhythm and Booze: The Stoplight Party
There’s nothing like some good ol sangin’ to groove to all night. “Your hometown ALL R&B party is back,” and is being held in Hyde Park at The Promontory, located at 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m on Friday, March 11. TIckets are still available starting at just $10.
3. Culture Shift Event - Sneaker Ball
Put on your best footwear for footworking! This Sneaker Ball is sure to be “A Culture Shift event to empower the community.” It’s being held on the South Side near Midway Airport at 6520 S. Cicero Avenue from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Tickets are still on sale for $97
4. Afrodisiac - Saturday
WIth music from DJ TopDonn, DJ Ziggs & DJ France, this event will display “musical bangers from all across the continent.” It’s being held in the South Loop at Bassline, located at 2239 S. Michigan Ave., from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 12. Tickets are available still for $20
5. Saturday Afrobeats
DJ Diesel and DJ Hypeman are bringing “the Biggest Afro social scene” to the city, and it’s being held in the South Loop at Bureau Bar and Restaurant, located at 2115 S State St., beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Free entry, early arrival is suggested.
6. Tribute to Sidney Poitier Series
This year, we lost a true legend when decorated actor and diplomat Mr. Sidney Poiter passed away at the age of 94. From March 6-27, nonprofit cinema house FACETS is presenting a retrospective of four Poitier films that spotlight his extraordinary career and achievements. This week, there will be a showing of A Raisin In The Sun (1961) on Sunday, March 13. FACETS is located at 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. near Lincoln Park. Each week, FACETS will show a different film. Tickets are $12 for general admission. Don’t miss it.
7. R&B Brunch (Day Party Series)
This brunch party serves the community with an upscale lunch for professionals. It’s being held in the South Loop at Row 24, located at 2411 S. Michigan Ave., from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13.
Now once again, that list was for the folks who don’t want to be bothered with all the hoop-lah of St. Paddy’s Day Weekend.
If you’re interested in joining in the festivities, here’s the list for you.
1. Kiss Me I’m Chi Rish
Come join the #MileHighClub and party with DJ Mile High at the Y Bar Saturday on March 12 for what is sure to be a night full of good times. Located in River North, Y Bar is located at 224 W. Ontario St. The party goes from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are still available, starting at $30 for early admission.
2. St. Patrick’s Day Brunch
Come get all the southern charm that The Wild Hare can offer as they host St. Patrick’s Day Brunch on Saturday, March 12. Their guest, Chef Allen will leave you feeling full after a hearty southern St. Patrick’s Day meal. Located on the North Side, The Wild Hare is at 2610 N. Halsted St. The brunch goes from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Early bird tickets are still available at $10. Get them while they last!
3. St. Litty’s Day Party
The Promontory joins this weekend’s festivities, presenting their first St. Litty’s Day Party. Free RSVP spots are already taken, but you can still purchase an early bird ticket for $15. The Promontory is located in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. The event ends at 7:00 p.m.
4. Toasted Life St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Party
This is a party that’s worth taking a look at if you’ll be in the city this weekend. Located at 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. in West Town, Frontier is hosting Toasted Life again for their St. Paddy’s Day vibes. Saturday is filled with tons of events around the city, so this one can be added to the list of viable options for later in the day. Party starts at 10:00 p.m. and ends at 3:00 a.m. Get tickets while they last, starting at $15.
5. South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
After being canceled for the past two years, the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade is returning to the South Side. The parade will start at noon on Sunday, March 13. It begins at 103rd Street and Western Ave, then it will move along Western to 115th St. This event is free to the public.