Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party

The Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party is attended by over 25,000 people and features great music and food. It's also known as a huge singles party, and Old St. Pat's claims that over 70 couples have met at the block party and later married. That's one reason why Oprah Winfrey has dubbed it "the place to meet your match".Old St. Pat's Church in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. Entrance gates are at Madison and DesPlaines.Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11, 20095:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.World's Largest Block Party admission is $35 in advance, and $40 at the door. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, as it always sells out. Tickets are available online, or at various Fifth Third Bank locations. Admission includes 5 beverages (beer, wine, soda, or water). You must be 21 and over to attend, and present valid ID.CTA bus lines # 56 Milwaukee (northbound) or #20 Madison (westbound) to Madison/Jefferson stop. Walk one block west to Block Party.There is very limited parking, and public transportation is recommended. If that is not an option, there are a small number of pay parking lots in Greektown, two blocks west of the Block Party along Halsted St.The full schedule is available on the Old St. Pat's website.

Old St. Pat's Church is Chicago's oldest public building, and is a historic landmark. Over 2 decades ago, Old St. Pat's held a modest block party to raise money for the church. Little did they know then that it would quickly become its major fundraising event of the year, drawing tens of thousands of people and nationally known music acts. The World's Largest Block Party proceeds support St. Pat's ongoing expansion, and their various outreach programs such as the Education Center, the Outreach Group, CARA Job Placement and Mentoring Program, Career Transitions Center of Chicago and Global Alliance for Africa.