Before taking a break from the school work and heading to your vacation destination for Spring Break, there’s still one more holiday to take part in: St. Patrick’s Day. This year it falls on Tues., March 17.

Around this time of the year, Chicago is best known for dyeing the Chicago River a leprechaun green. Get a viewing of the transformation at 9:15 a.m. on Fri., March 14, followed by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade kicks off at 12 p.m. sharp. You can find the route of the parade and more information about the celebration at the official Parade and River Dyeing website.

The following day, the Indiana Dunes State Park is hosting its 15th annual “Runnin’ with the Irish 5K” starting at 7 a.m.

Even more local is Clark Middle School’s Inaugural Shamrock-N-Roll fundraiser, benefiting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Stop by for face painting, arts and crafts, kids games, a silent auction and performances by Patti’s All-American gymnasts.

While a majority of the events are taking place the weekend leading up to the holiday, IHOP is offering a free stack of pancakes to anyone who dresses in green on St. Patrick’s Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  After a long weekend of celebrating, you can sit back and enjoy some pancakes at your local IHOP.