Since 2000, St. Charles has hosted the annual St. Patrick's Parade that has evolved into an exciting community tradition that thousands of people look forward to. This year, make sure to wear your finest green attire and head downtown for the 2024 St. Patrick's Celebration on March 9th. This day is going to be brimming with Irish-festivities that the whole family will love.
Shamrockin' St. Charles 8K and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk
Photos Courtesy of BrewHop Fun Run
Before the celebration downtown begins, grab your running shoes and head to Pottawatomie Park for the Shamrockin' St. Charles 8K and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk, presented by BrewHop Fun Run. Let's face it, the remainder of the day (and the following weekend) will be full of food, drinks, and fun, so be sure to start this Irish-season on a healthy note! Beginning at 10am, the route will take you along the scenic Fox River right on the Fox River Trail, and trust us, the views just can't be beat. Go for gold and register today here!
Opening Ceremony
Photos Courtesy of C & E Photography
The running isn't over just yet! Once you've crossed the finish line, it's time to run downtown to catch the start of the Opening Ceremony on the 1st Street Plaza at 11am. The Opening Ceremony kicks-off the start of the St. Patrick's Celebration in St. Charles, with Irish dancers, bagpipers, and more entertainment. Need to brush up on your Irish-look? There will be a face painter at the Ceremony making sure you look as celebratory as ever. This is the perfect way to introduce the day, with plenty of family-friendly Irish-festivities to follow.
Shamrock Hunt
Photo #2 Courtesy of C & E Photography
After the Opening Ceremony has concluded, you'll have a little bit of time before the Parade heads down Main Street. This is a great chance to participate in the Shamrock Hunt! To add some adventure to your day, the St. Charles Business Alliance will be hiding 20 shamrocks throughout downtown St. Charles. You'll have to search high and low - finding these clovers anywhere, such as the windows of businesses to popular photo spots downtown. The best part of this whole activity is that participants will have the opportunity to win a "pot of gold"! There will be 3 "pots of gold", 2 valued at $100, and 1 valued at $250, so we hope you're feeling lucky! Entering is easy - once you locate a shamrock, take your picture with it and submit it along with the form found here. The more pictures you take with different shamrocks, the more entries you get!
What's Your Favorite St. Patrick Tradition?
Green Beer
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Watching the Parade
Wearing Your Irish Best
Local Sales & Specials
Photo #1 Courtesy of Arcada Theatre, Photo #2 Courtesy of Coroco Coffee
While you're looking all around downtown for the shamrocks, we encourage everyone to stop by the incredible local businesses we have in St. Charles, and to take advantage of the many St. Patrick's specials that are happening. From green beer, watch parties, promotions, and much more, there is a lot going on that you don't want to miss out on.
Photos Courtesy of C & E Photography
And speaking of green beer, (since it is such a popular beverage on a day like today) we've compiled a list of some spots that will be serving those colorful pints on March 9th! Take a look below.
St. Patrick's Parade
Photos Courtesy of C & E Photography
The moment everyone has been waiting for - the St. Patrick's Parade. Starting at 2pm, thousands of people will be dressed in their green attire, lining Main Street to get a view of all the beautiful and creative floats, award-winning local marching bands, bagpipers, a variety of businesses and organizations, and so much more! The parade starts at 6th Street and travels down Main Street to conclude at 4th Avenue. So, pinch-proof your calendar and be sure you have March 9th circled!
Regardless of the time of year, there are numerous live music performances that take place in St. Charles on a weekly basis, whether it be at a restaurant, brewery, theatre, or another local establishment. Click here to discover upcoming live music performances that are happening in town!