Searching for how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago? Here are the best St. Patrick’s Day events in Chicago.
You can find more things to do in Chicago this weekend here.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago
St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Chicago. While St. Patrick’s Day is on Tuesday, March 17, the river dyeing, parades, major events, and most parties take place on the weekend prior to St. Patrick’s Day.
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For out of town visitors, please note that the weather in Chicago during St. Patrick’s Day weekend is very unpredictable. Temperatures might start warming up a bit but you may still encounter winter temperatures (and even snow). Be prepared for both winter and spring weather, pack layers, a travel umbrella and make sure to check the weather right before your visit to know what to expect.
Best Things to Do in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day
Below are the top things to do in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day (including the weekend prior).
See the Green Dyeing of the Chicago River
Every year on Saturday morning before St. Patrick’s Day, 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 green river dyeing takes place Saturday, March 14, 2026 beginning at 10am just west of the Columbus bridge to the east of Orleans before Wolf Point. The dyeing process takes approximately 45 minutes.
The color is most vivid for a few hours after the dyeing is over and then starts to fade. You can still see some green in the river for a couple of days. If you want to take photos of the green river (but are not interested in seeing the river dyeing), pass by between 11am-noon.
The best way to see the river dyeing up close is to join a river dyeing cruise like this St. Patrick’s Day Chicago River Dying Booze Cruise.
For free views from the street, head to Upper Wacker Drive. You will have to arrive early to get a good spot in the street as it will be very crowded.
The lower Riverwalk will be closed, except for select ticketed events at Riverwalk bars and restaurants including the following: The Northman Beer & Cider Garden, Chicago Brewhouse Riverwalk and O’Brien’s Riverwalk Cafe.
You can also purchase tickets to events to see panoramic views of the river dyeing from above at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown and LondonHouse Chicago.
Party on the Green River on a St. Patrick’s Day Cruise
You can join a cruise after the river dyeing is over to party on the green river like this St. Patrick’s Day Green River Booze Cruise.
Another good way to enjoy the green water up close is to join an architecture river cruise any time after the river dyeing is over.
See a St. Patrick’s Day Parade
There are several St. Patrick’s Day parades that take place in Chicago during the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 12:15pm – This is the main parade in downtown Chicago at Balbo and Columbus Drive proceeding north to Monroe Street. The parade will be broadcast live by ABC 7 Chicago.
Avondale St. Patrick’s Parade – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10am
Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 12-2pm – This family-friendly event parade will run on Archer Avenue east from Oak Park to Merrimac. This is Chicago’s longest-consecutive running St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Southside Irish Parade – Sunday, March 15, 2026, 12pm – From 103rd and Western Avenue in Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood. A family-friendly event, the South Side Irish Parade began in 1979 and has grown to become the largest St. Patrick’s Day community-based parade outside of Dublin, Ireland.
Northwest Side Irish Parade – Sunday, March 15, 2026, 12pm – The Northwest Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade, now in its 23rd year, steps off at noon at Onahan School, at 6634 W. Raven St. proceeding south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway and north to Harlem Avenue in the Norwood Park neighborhood.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 2026 events include:
Irish Village Market – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9am–3pm – Free outdoor festival just steps from the Chicago River with live Irish music and dancing near the DuSable Bridge.
Shamrock’n at Old St. Pat’s – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11am–5pm – 5th annual Shamrock’n Beer Bands and St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the West Loop with delicious beverages and pub fare, live entertainment and dancing and activities for kids of all ages.
Shamrock & Roll as Division Street – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11am-10pm – Street festival on Division Street from State Street to Clark Street, featuring two main stages with live band performances, traditional Irish dancers and bagpipers, beer and liquor tents, and food vendors serving up festive bites.
St Patrick’s Weekend Festival at Hubbard Street – March 13-14, 2026
St. Patrick’s Festival at Irish American Heritage Center – March 14-15, 2026 – All-ages celebration featuring nonstop live bands, traditional Irish dancers, cultural performances, crafts, games, and a dedicated kids’ area.
St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way – Sunday, March 15, 2026, 11am-3pm – Free festive fun for all ages on including live music, Irish dancing performances, face painting and balloon artists, Irish giveaways, lawn games, festive drinks including green draft beer, Irish coffee and more.
St. Patrick’s Day at Irish American Heritage Center – Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 2-10pm
Chicago St Patrick’s Day Activities
For those that do not enjoy drinking but want to do something fun and unique, you can sign up for a St. Patrick’s Day themed class:
Hands-On: Green Pasta at Eataly – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1-3pm
Kid’s Kitchen: Hands-On Fresh Green Pasta-Making at Eataly – Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 1-2:30pm
St. Patrick’s Day Deep Dish Pizza Cooking Class- Green Dough and Green beer at Pizzeria Due – Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 6-8:30pm
Lucky & Lit! St. Patrick’s Day DIY Crafting Experience – March 13 and 14, 2026
St Patrick’s Celebration Gnome Sip and Paint – Tuesday, March 14, 2026, 7-8:30pm
Do a Dot Art for St. Patrick’s Day – Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 4-5:30pm
St. Patrick’s Day Art Workshop at Morgan Park Sports Center Park – Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 5-5:45pm
Join a St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these neighborhood bar crawls:
St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl: All Access – March 13 & 14, 2026
Kiss Me, I’m Irish! Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl – March 14 & 17, 2026
St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charms Bar Crawl – Lincoln Park – Saturday, March 14, 2026
St. Patricks Day Lucky Charms Bar Crawl – Wrigleyville – Saturday, March 14, 2026
St. Patricks Day Lucky Charms Bar Crawl – River North – Saturday, March 14, 2026
St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charms Bar Crawl – Wicker Park – Saturday, March 14, 2026
West Town & Wicker Park St. Patrick’s Day Crawl – Saturday, March 14, 2026
Shamrockin’ at the Pier Bar Crawl – Saturday, March 14, 2026
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parties
St. Paddy’s Kegs & Eggs at Millennium Hall- Easy Parade Route Access – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10am-1pm
Hoyt’s at The Royal Sonesta – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:30am-8pm – Free
Stay Gold St. Paddy’s Party at Offshore Rooftop – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11am-7pm – Celebrate St. Paddy’s at the world’s largest rooftop to drink, dance, and sham-rock on. Enjoy amazing lake and skyline views from Navy Pier, endless green beer, specialty cocktails, and more.
Leprechaun Games @ Lottie’s Pub & Churchill Park – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:30am-4pm
Stolen Saddle’s St. Patrick’s Day Party: $20 All-Inclusive Pkg – Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 6-9pm
Paddy’s Day at Pippin’s Tavern – Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 12:15-4pm – A festive afternoon filled with live music, great food, and plenty of Irish spirit.
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago for Saint Patrick’s Day.
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