With its rich Irish-American heritage, Chicago has long been an iconic site for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations which start long before the official holiday next Tuesday.

Things kick off Saturday morning when the Chicago Plumbers Local 130 will deploy a team on a boat to dye the Chicago River green, as it has annually since 1962. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade then steps off in the afternoon followed by another parade marching on the far Southwest Side.

That’s all amidst various special deals at Irish pubs and restaurants across the city, and plenty of bar crawls planned for Saturday and Sunday.

Here are some options to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago:

• 8 a.m. Saturday: “Hubbard Street Goes Green” is a street festival in the 100 block of West Hubbard Street in River North. The festival features more than 20 live DJs and bands, food, drinks and access to several bars. The event also opened at 4 p.m. Friday.
• 10 a.m. Saturday: Chicago River Dyeing begins on the main river branch, between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street.
• Noon Saturday: Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day parade steps off at Archer and South Oak Park Avenues and will proceed east to Archer & Merrimac Ave.
• 12:15 p.m. Saturday: St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at Columbus and Balbo Drives and will proceed north to Monroe Street.
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday: St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., is a family and pet friendly celebration featuring Irish dancers, music, festive drinks and crafts.
• Noon Sunday: The South Side Irish Parade steps off at 103rd Street and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western Avenue.
• Noon Sunday: Northwest Side Irish Parade steps off at Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven St., proceeding south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway and north to Harlem Avenue.
• 12:30 p.m. Saturday: Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., hosts a two-day St. Patrick’s Day festival featuring nonstop live bands, traditional Irish dancers, cultural performances, crafts, games, and a dedicated kids’ area. Sunday’s festival begins at 1 p.m.
• 2 p.m. Tuesday: Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., hosts a St. Patrick’s Day party with live music, dancing, food and drinks.