5th Annual Irish Film Festival
With Jim Sheridan’s “In America” snagging three Oscar nominations, it’s been a good year for Irish films. Celebrate with the Beverly Center’s three-day film fest. In addition to a screening of Sheridan’s flick, you’ll see the U.S. premiere of “Mystics,” starring David Kelly (“Waking Ned Devine”) and Milo O’Shea (“The Verdict”). The two actors will make an appearance at the opening night reception. 6:30 p.m. March 5. $27-30. Film fest runs through March 7. Check metromix.com for times and prices. 2407 W. 111th St. 773-445-3838.
Irish-American Idol
How many off-kilter renditions of “Danny Boy” have you suffered through during previous St. Patrick’s Days? Well, get ready for a maudlin onslaught when singers compete for a weeklong trip to Ireland courtesy of Fitzpatrick’s Hotel by warbling the standard in front of a panel of judges. Preliminary rounds 7-9 p.m. March 4 and 11; final round 4-8 p.m. March 13. 166 E. Superior St. 312-787-6000.
Dyeing of the Chicago River
Either someone’s dumped nuclear waste in the Chicago River or it must be St. Pat’s Day again. Why not see how the river achieves its “Erie” glow by showing up to watch the city’s annual ceremony on State Street between Dearborn Street and Wabash Avenue? The 2004 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade follows. 11 a.m. March 13. 312-421-1010.
2004 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Maybe they like their leprechauns tiny over in Ireland, but here we grow ’em big. That’s why this year’s parade will feature a 35-foot leprechaun in addition to 50 floats, 2,000 Irish step dancers and Clydesdales. Let’s put it this way: Stay away from his Lucky Charms. Noon. March 13. Free. The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus Drives and proceeds north to Monroe Street. 312-744-5000.
26th Annual South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
After the city has its official parade, the South Side has a party all its own the following day. The young and the rowdy stick to the west side of Western–close to the bars–while families take it easy on the east side of the street. Noon. March 14. Free. 103rd Street and Western Avenue, 773-239-7755.
Cooking with Beer
Here’s a twist: Rather than getting stewed on Guinness this St. Pat’s, why not make a stew with Guinness? At Forest Park’s Flavour Cooking School (note the Irish spelling) you’ll learn how to make this brewy broth as well as beer bread and beer soup. Of course, you’ll be treated to a sampling of each. 7-9:30 p.m. March 17. $45. 7401 W. Madison St., Forest Park, 708-488-0808.
More ways to shamrock – Find bagpipes and blowhards at top area parades, pubs and parties. – Shamrock Shakes are for kids: Try these souped-up sippers. – Get your Irish on with Celtic music, including The Tossers at Metro. – Try boxty, an Irish cross between latkes and crepes.
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Find more on metromix.com.
