St. Patrick’s Day is a beloved event in Chicago, often considered the “unofficial” start of spring.
The city goes all out with celebrations, featuring iconic events like the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the famous Chicago River dyeing, where the water transforms into a bright shade of green, perfect for the occasion.
Beyond the parades, Chicago offers a variety of exciting ways to celebrate—from lively bar crawls to scenic Chicago boat tours.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for a March holiday getaway, here are seven fantastic activities to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.
The charm of St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is enjoyed by everyone, both locals and tourists. Use this guide to find plenty of activities to celebrate the day.
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago: 7 Activities and Things to Do
1. Watch the Chicago River Turn Green
A must for anyone visiting Chicago during St. Patrick’s Day is to witness the Chicago River dyeing. It’s quite a wonder. You may be curious as to why Chicago dyes the river green.
According to ABC Chicago, in the 1960s, Chicago city workers used a bright green dye to find leaks in pipes Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union has continued to uphold this tradition.
Now, with something a bit more regulated, the river turns a dazzling shade of emerald green. There are several prime viewing spots to see the river dyeing, including Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.
2. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Chicago
One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the U.S., this annual event features marching bands, festive floats, and Irish dancers. The parade is on Saturday, March 15, kicking off at 12:15 p.m. on Columbus Drive, running from Balbo Drive to Monroe Drive. If you can’t make it downtown, check out neighborhood parades like the South Side Irish Parade or Northwest Side Irish Parade.
3. Celebrate the Holiday at Irish Pubs
Chicago has many great Irish pubs, and they are especially lively during St. Patrick’s Day. Raise a pint at one of Chicago’s top Irish pubs during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Some popular spots include:
- The Kerryman (River North) – A lively bar with authentic Irish roots.
- Chief O’Neill’s (Portage Park) – A family-owned Irish pub that is highly regarded as a city gem.
- Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro (North Center) – A popular neighborhood Irish pub.
- Galway Arms (Lincoln Park)- Known for live Irish music and a large outdoor patio.
4. Take a St. Patrick’s Day Chicago Boat Tour
Experience Chicago’s skyline while cruising down the newly dyed Chicago River on a festive St. Patrick’s Day boat tour. Many cruises(like this one) offer drinks, Irish music, and unbeatable city views.
5. Sample St. Patrick’s Day Food and Drink Specials
Chicago has many great restaurants that serve Irish cuisine, such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips. There are also plenty of non-Irish bars that will have festive options inspired by the holiday too.
Celebrate with delicious Irish-inspired food and drinks. Some Chicago restaurants and bars known for their St. Patrick’s Day specials include:
6. Join a St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
If you’re looking for a lively way to celebrate, a St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl is a great option. Some of the city’s best bar crawls happen in Chicago’s popular nightlife neighborhoods like River North and Wrigleyville.
Start with this list. If you still need more options, check out my guide to Chicago’s nightlife scene.
7. Explore Chicago’s Irish Heritage
Chicago has a rich Irish history, and many landmarks and attractions pay tribute to this heritage.
Some popular sites to visit include the Gaelic Park and the Irish American Heritage Center Museum, which are both great places to visit during St. Patrick’s Day.
Tips for Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago
If you are planning to be in Chicago during St. Patrick’s Day weekend or visiting the city for spring break, some helpful tips can make your experience in Chicago the best one yet.
- Book your hotel early: Downtown hotels fill up fast for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, so reserve in advance for the best rates from hotel sites like Hotwire.
- Use public transportation: On the day of the parade of river dyeing, there will be street closures so taking the CTA or finding another method of transportation that is not a car is going to be your best way to get around.
- Explore beyond downtown: Everyone in the city will be celebrating! Take advantage and explore neighborhoods like West Loop, Wicker Park, and Wrigleyville which have unique celebrations and great local bars.
Spending St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is an incredible experience. Whether you’re watching the Chicago River turn green, enjoying a Chicago boat tour, or celebrating at an Irish pub, the city offers countless ways to enjoy the popular holiday.
Are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago this year? Let me know how in the comments below!
