South Side Irish Parade Returns for 48th Year

Annual St. Patrick's Day celebration to march down Western Avenue on March 15, 2026

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The 48th annual South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade is set to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, stepping off at noon from 103rd Street and Western Avenue in Chicago's Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods. The parade is expected to draw thousands of spectators to celebrate Irish heritage and culture, featuring pipe bands, marching bands, Irish dancers, community groups, and more.

Why it matters

The South Side Irish Parade is a beloved annual tradition that has been bringing the community together to celebrate Irish roots for nearly five decades. As one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades outside of Ireland, the event showcases the vibrant Irish-American culture of Chicago's South Side neighborhoods.

The details

The parade will step off at noon on Sunday, March 15, 2026 and travel south on Western Avenue from 103rd Street to 115th Street. Parking and traffic will be restricted along the parade route starting at 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. respectively. Metra's Rock Island Line will be adding extra trains to accommodate the crowds.

  • The parade steps off at noon on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • Parking restrictions begin at 6 a.m. on the day of the parade.
  • Traffic restrictions begin at 9 a.m. on the day of the parade.

The players

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

A national nonprofit that helps America's heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

St. Christina Catholic Parish

A parish in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood that is celebrating its 100th anniversary and serves many Chicago first-responders, with over 80% of its grammar school students being the sons and daughters of police and fire personnel.

Erin Larkin

The 2026 South Side Irish Parade Queen, who was selected by the parade committee for her deep roots in Chicago's Irish community. Larkin's family is the Larkin and Moran Brothers, a traditional Irish band.

Rev. Ryan Brady

The pastor of St. Christina Catholic Parish and the chaplain for the Chicago Fire Department.

Brian Cahalane

The Consul General of Ireland.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The parade committee is working closely with the City of Chicago, local community organizations, schools, and neighbors to ensure a safe and family-friendly celebration of Irish heritage and culture.

The takeaway

The South Side Irish Parade has been a beloved tradition for nearly five decades, bringing the community together to celebrate Irish-American culture and heritage. Despite changes in the city over the years, the parade remains a testament to the enduring spirit and values of Chicago's South Side neighborhoods.