Searching for what to do in Chicago this March? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in March 2023 (from a local).
March is an interesting month to visit Chicago. The end of winter in Chicago is in sight and Chicagoans are looking forward to spring. March is usually a popular month to visit Chicago due to spring break and St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
For out of town visitors, please note that the weather in Chicago in March is very unpredictable. Temperatures might start warming up a bit from February but you will likely still encounter winter temperatures (and even snow) especially earlier in the month. 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.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I plan to update it regularly with any new information or events.
Things to Do in Chicago in March 2023
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Outdoor Ice Skating
Early March is your last chance to go outdoor ice skating in Chicago.
One of the best and instaworthy places to go ice skating is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink right in front of The Bean (a must on any Chicago bucket list). The rink is open until March 5, 2023 (weather permitting).
Another picture perfect spot is the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park which has a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. The skating ribbon is open until March 5, 2023 (weather permitting).
Take an Architecture River Cruise
Taking an architecture river cruise is a must when visiting Chicago.
River cruises start up again in March (after being on pause in the middle of winter when the water is frozen).
Harry Potter™: Magic at Play
The Harry Potter™: Magic at Play is ending its limited time run in Chicago soon. Discover the Wizarding World and celebrate Harry’s adventures in this new hands-on experience, filled with magical moments and active play for witches and wizards of all ages with fun for the whole family. Harry Potter™: Magic at Play is a unique, hands-on experience that will engage imaginations of all ages to bring out the young witch or wizard in all of us. Explore, climb, and play your way through three floors of fun packed with playful celebrations of your favorite places and moments.
Where: Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 (corner of N Michigan Ave. and E Pearson St.)
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place this March include:
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé
Candlelight Ballet: Featuring Tchaikovsky and More
Candlelight: A Tribute to Juan Gabriel
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer at Music Box Theatre
Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA at Stan Mansion
Candlelight: Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Favorites
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
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: Monday and Thursday–Sunday from 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. (10–11 a.m. for members). Closed on Tuesday–Wednesday. Must purchase tickets online in advance.
Cost: $25 for adults, $19 for seniors, students and teens (14-17); members and children under 14 are always free. Admission will be free for Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) until March 24, 2023.
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 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 (detailed directions and parking information is available here)
When: Open daily 9am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm)
Cost: Prices vary. Admission will be free for Illinois residents on March 7 and 14, 2023.
Visit the Shedd Aquarium
Visit the Shedd Aquarium for unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons.
Where: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 (detailed directions and parking information is available here)
Hours: Open 9 am – 5 pm. Advance purchase of timed tickets is required.
Cost: Price varies depending on day.
Visit Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics is the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Make sure to step outside for one of the best skyline views of Chicago.
Where: 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
Hours: 9:00 am–4:00 pm daily. 4:00 pm–10:00 pm on Wednesdays.
Cost: Admission starts at $28 for adults and $17 for children (ages 3-11). Every Wednesday is free Museum Entry for Illinois residents with proof of residency. All tickets must be purchased online and in advance.
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.
Enjoy Warm Temperatures Inside 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.
Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
Hours: Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday – Sunday 10am-5pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday
Cost: FREE (suggested donation)
See the Chicago River Dyeing
Every year on Saturday morning before St. Patrick’s Day (March 11, 2023), 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 between Columbus Drive and State Street. For the best views, head to the Michigan Avenue, Wabash Avenue or State Street bridges or find a spot along the Riverwalk.
For a festive celebration, join a St. Patrick’s Green River Morning Booze Cruise here to party on the Green River.
You can also join an architecture river cruise right after the river turns green.
Attend a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Chicago with three 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 11, 2023.
The Southside Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade take place on Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day.
Chicago March 2023 Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other Chicago March 2023 events include: Chicago Irish Film Festival (March 2-12, 2023), Brewsology Beer Fest (March 4, 2023), Chicago Polar Plunge (March 5, 2023), Dancing With Chicago Celebrities (March 10, 2023), Shamrock’n the Block (March 11, 2023), Chicago Artisan Market Fulton (March 12, 2023), Kiss Me, I’m Irish! Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (March 18, 2023), Chicago Tattoo Convention (March 17-19, 2023), Uncorked Wine Festival (March 25, 2023), Ritmo del Mar (March 25, 2023), Shamrock Shuffle (March 26, 2023), Hellenic Heritage Parade (Greek Independence Day Parade) (March 26, 2023) and Chicago Cubs home opener (March 30, 2023), C2E2: Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (March 31-April 2, 2023) and
Golden Con: Thank You For Being a Fan (March 31-April 2, 2023).
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago this March.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
