5 St. Patrick's Day parades this weekend to start your celebration early
St. Patrick's Day is more than a week away, but many municipalities are marking the day this weekend with festive parades filled with lively Irish dancing and music.
So grab your green garb to get an early jump on celebrations this weekend. And don't worry: There will be more parades on Saturday, March 17.
2018 Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick's Day Parade
The 2018 Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick's Day Parade is on Saturday, with the grandstand for entertainment centered at the East Dundee Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Free. (847) 551-3800 or dundeestpats.com. 9:30 a.m. pet parade; 10 a.m. shows; 11 a.m. parade kick off Saturday, March 10.
Naperville St. Patrick's Day Parade
The West Suburban Irish organizes the annual Naperville St. Patrick's Day parade, which begins near Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St., then travels south on Mill Street, east on Jefferson Avenue, then south on Main Street ending at Water Street. Free. wsirish.org/st-patricks-parade. 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10.
Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade
More than 80 floats, marching bands, Irish dancers and more are featured in the Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade. The route heads north along Spring Road from the intersection of Wilson Street in Elmhurst. Free. (630) 834-0300 or elmhurststpatsparade.com. Noon Saturday, March 10.
St. Charles St. Patrick's Parade
Cheer on marching bands, community floats and more for the St. Charles St. Patrick's Parade on Saturday. The parade runs along Main Street between 6th Street and 4th Avenue, St. Charles. Free. (630) 443-3969 or downtownstcharles.org. 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10.
South Side Irish Parade
The South Side Irish Parade in Chicago marks its 40th anniversary in 2018. The parade is on Sunday along Western Avenue from 103rd Street to 115th Street. Free. southsideirishparade.org. Noon Sunday, March 11.