What is Old St. Pat's?:
Old St. Pat's is formally called "Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party." The block party attracts close to 30,000 people each year and hosts food, beer, and music such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on June 28th and Phil Vassar on June 29. Old St. Pat's is also known to locals as one of the biggest "singles parties." Close to 75 couples have said they have met there.
Old St. Pat’s Church, Chicago’s oldest public building, hosts the block party each year. This year will mark its 29th year. Proceeds support the mission and outreach activities of Old St. Pat’s including the Career Transitions Center of Chicago.
When is Old St. Pat's?:
June 28 and 29, 2013. Hours both days are 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where is Old St. Pat's:
Entrance gate is at Madison and Des Plaines Streets in Chicago’s West Loop. (Also read: Taste of Chicago 2013 and Chicago's Gay Pride Parade 2013)
Which bands are playing at Old St. Pat's:
June 28 is The Shams Band, Punch Brothers, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. June 29 is Michele McGuire, Phil Vassar, Gretchen Wilson, Out For Hours and South of 80.
How do I get tickets to Old St. Pat's:
Tickets are available for purchase at the Old St. Patrick church's office located at 711 West Monroe Street, on the 3rd floor between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Tickets can be purchased by cash, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AmEx.
No checks. Tickets can also be purchased online. General admission tickets are $40.
Food and drinks at Old St. Pat's:
Five drinks are included with each block party admission, including beer, wine, sods, and water. Food sold for purchase includes Connie’s Pizza, Quang Noodles, Nicholas Quality Meats, Robinson Ribs, Susie’s Fun Foods, brats, hamburgers, and more. Tip: Attendees will have the chance to get served drinks from some of Chicago’s local celebrities -- names of these "celebrities" have not been released. Stop by one of the block party's bars from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. both nights to find a Chicago celebrity.
Getting to Old St. Pat's:
Old St. Pat’s is accessible by train - Northwestern and Union Stations are within a few blocks. If you drive, parking lots are located off of Halsted Street. (Read our Taking Public Transit Guide.)