BEST Things to Do in Chicago in March 2026 (From a Local!)

Take an Architecture River Cruise

Taking an architecture river cruise is a must when visiting Chicago.

River cruises start up again by March (after being on pause in the winter if the water is frozen).

Have Fun at Navy Pier

A ride on the large Ferris wheel offers panoramic skyline views of Chicago. (Click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line).

Other fun attractions at Navy Pier include Flyover Chicago, an immersive flyover experience, the Chicago Children’s Museum, rides and games and several restaurants, bars and shops.

Navy Pier is a must do if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or kids.

See the Chicago River Dyeing

Every year on Saturday morning before St. Patrick’s Day (March 14, 2026 at 10am), the Chicago River is dyed a shade of bright emerald green for St. Patrick’s Day. This is a popular Chicago tradition since 1962. The color is most vivid for a few hours after the dyeing but you can still see some green in the river for a few days.

The Chicago River dyeing takes place at 10am between Columbus Drive and State Street.

The best way to see the river dyeing up close is to join this St. Patrick’s Day Chicago River Dying Booze Cruise.

For good views from the street head to Upper Wacker Drive and the many bridges crossing the river (including Michigan Avenue, Wabash Avenue or State Street bridges).

The lower Riverwalk will be closed, except for select ticketed events at bars and restaurants including: The Northman Beer & Cider Garden, Chicago Brewhouse Riverwalk and O’Brien’s Riverwalk Cafe.

You can also enjoy panoramic views of the Chicago river dyeing from above from The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown or LondonHouse Chicago.

A good way to enjoy the green water up close (after the dyeing is over) is to join a St. Patrick’s Day Green River Booze Cruise or an architecture river cruise within a few hours after the river dyeing is over.

Attend a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Chicago with various St. Patrick’s Day parades taking place in Chicago during the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day.

The main St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place downtown after the river dyeing on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12:15pm.

Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a smaller neighborhood parade, takes place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at noon.

The Southside Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade both take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at noon.

See the Spring Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the US. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens. Visitors can enjoy the lush flora and tropical temperatures indoors even if it is cold or rainy outside.

During the entire month of March, visitors can enjoy the annual Spring Flower Show.

Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624

Hours: Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday – Sunday 10am-5pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday

See the Spring Flower Show at the Lincoln Park Conservatory

Although not as large as Garfield Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is worth a visit and is more conveniently located.

During the entire month of March, visitors can see the annual Spring Flower Show.

Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am-5pm.

Where: 2391 N Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

Cost: FREE. Advance online reservations are required.

Balloon Museum’s EmotionAir Exhibition

Balloon Museum’s EmotionAir Exhibition is a limited time unique exhibition that explores the profound relationship between art and emotions through the captivating medium of inflatable art. This exhibition, first presented in London in December 2023, is committed to the work of emotions, transforming artworks into mirrors to explore the profound relationship between art and emotions, action, and reaction. This is manifested tangibly through Inflatable Art, which offers itself as a medium to express the most intimate nuances of human feelings. Through a mix of interactive installations, emotional projections, and performance art, EmotionAir aims to transport visitors on an unprecedented sensory journey.

When: Though April 6, 2026

Where: The Fields Studios – Gate 1, 2828 N. Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60641

Cost: Timed-entry tickets are required. Click here to purchase tickets.

Look for Street Art

The weather warms up in March making it a good time to explore the many murals around Chicago.

One of the most famous Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” (pictured above) by Jacob Watts located at 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly 33 E. Congress Parkway). It is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor and is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other tourist attractions.

Another famous mural is the Greetings From Chicago Mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave. You can see this mural and other street art on this street art tour.

Admire Famous Works at The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States and is frequently found on lists of the top museums in the world. In addition to its large permanent collection of art from around the world, you can see the rotating temporary exhibits. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).

Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Hours: Thursday 11am–8pm; Friday to Monday from 11am– 5pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO, the observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building, has the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.

Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

(Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).

Visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere with 14 acres of hands-on exhibits including a 40-foot tornado, a World War II German submarine and a human-sized hamster wheel.

Click here to purchase a skip the line ticket.

Where: 5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL

Visit the Field Museum

The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Inside the museum you will see Maximo, the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur that ever lived. (Click here to purchase an Early Access VIP Tour if you want to avoid crowds).

Where: Chicago’s Museum Campus, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

When: Open daily 9am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm)

Tip:  If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.

Shop at an Indoor Farmers Market

March is too cold for outdoor farmers markets but there are a few indoor winter farmers markets in Chicago:

Edgewater Indoor Market – 10am–2pm on March 14, 2026
Green City Market (Avondale) – 8am–1pm on select Saturdays (March 7, 14 & 21, 2026)
Logan Square Farmers Market – 10am-2pm every Saturday through March 28, 2026
South Loop Farmers Market – 10am-2pm every Saturday through March 28, 2026
Winter Farmers Market at Water Tower Place – 12pm-4pm every Sunday through March 29, 2026