Sure, you could pack a few bags and spring for plane tickets to Ireland this March. But if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Emerald Isle, we’ve got something a bit less expensive and just as fun.
How do bagpipers, festive floats, performance groups, and all the candy you can fit in your pockets sound? You can experience all that and much more when we host our 26th annual Tinley Park Irish Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 8 along Oak Park Avenue in Downtown Tinley. Take a spot anywhere from the Subway parking lot at 17219 S. Oak Park Avenue to 179th Street and watch as more than 80 floats, performance groups, vehicles and more march past displaying the colors and music of the season. The parade has become a Tinley Park tradition that brings thousands of people to town to celebrate all things Irish, and you could have a front-row seat!
Everyone's favorite announcers Jeff Keane and John Tadla will return to call the parade from the balcony at Primal Cut Steakhouse. For the first time, paradegoers can stop by Harmony Square, 6700 North St., to watch pipe and drum bands perform on our 30x50 concert stage.
Visitors can park in the north and south lots at the Oak Park Avenue train station, 6700 South Street; along Hickory Street; and on non-hydrant sides of the surrounding streets. Paradegoers looking to park in the Oak Park Avenue train station north lot should enter from the east, as the west entrance will be closed.
Many thanks to this year's Irish Parade sponsors, Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing and Local 17 Heat & Frost Insulators. You can learn more at VisitTinleyPark.com.
But wait... there's more!
Come out a few days before the parade to listen to Irish music by Vision in the Rhythm from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 at Banging Gavel, 17400 S. Oak Park Avenue.
On parade day March 8, get in the Irish spirit with corned beef sandwiches, a DJ, bagpipers, and a performance by the Blackbird Irish Dancers during an Irish Party at 10 a.m. at American Legion Post 615, 17423 S. 67th Court. Afterward, stop by for an Irish Parade Parking Lot Party starting at 11 a.m. at Cuzin’s, 17704 S. Oak Park Avenue; Teehan's Tent Party from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the northwest parking lot at the Oak Park Avenue train station, 6700 South Street; and a Parade After-Party featuring a performance by the Band of Brothers Pipes and Drums at 1 p.m. at Flipside Brewing, 7138 W. 183rd Street. Later in the day, swing by to watch the band Clean Slate from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ed & Joe’s, 17332 S. Oak Park Avenue.
The fun continues with a St. Patrick's Day Spring Sip & String event from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at Hailstorm, 8060 W. 186th Street, and corned beef, cabbage, Irish stew, fish and chips, and drink specials during a St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. March 13 to 17 at Hillgrove Tap, 9501 W. 171st Street, Suite R.
And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ll be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day light show from 6 to 10 p.m. at the top of the hour starting Sunday, March 1 at Harmony Square, 6700 North Street. The light show is best viewed after sunset, so come out and enjoy what’s sure to be a spectacular sight! Also mark your calendars for Irish Dancing in the Square featuring performances by the Eilish Sullivan School of Irish Dance, the Harling School of Irish Dance, and the Blackbird Academy of Irish Dance from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at Harmony Square.
See all of the fun – Irish or otherwise – at VisitTinleyPark.com or the calendar below. May the road rise up to meet you this March!