Searching for what to do in Chicago this March? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in March (from a local) – including the top attractions and best March events.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
Chicago in March
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.
Best Things to Do in Chicago in March
Below are the top things to do in Chicago in March including all of the best March events.
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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 10 am 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.
You can also view the green water up close by joining an architecture river cruise any time 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.
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, “Rooted in Mystery” which explores the different types of roots and the cool stuff they do as well as a marvelous display of spring plants, including azaleas, pansies, snapdragons, astilbe, baptisia, hydrangeas, and different varieties of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
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. Advance online reservations are strongly recommended.
During the entire month of March, visitors can see the annual Spring Flower Show, “Spectrum of Spring” which highlights the color families of plants and flowers and offers a unique design and color scheme.
Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am-5pm.
Where: 2391 N Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614
Cost: FREE
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:
South Loop Farmers Market – 9am – 1pm every Saturday through March 29
Logan Square Farmers Market – 9am – 1pm every Saturday through March 29
Winter Farmers Market at Water Tower Place – 12pm – 4pm every Sunday through March 30
Green City Market (Avondale) – 8am–1pm on select Saturdays through March 22
Wicker Park Winter Farmers Market – 9am-2pm on select Sundays through March 30
Edgewater Indoor Market – 10am–2pm on March 22
Chicago March Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other Chicago March events include: Global Connections International Carnivale at Navy Pier (March 1), POP Cats Chicago: Illinois’ Ultimate Cat Convention (March 1-2), Greektown Restaurant Week (March 1-7), Chicago’s Birthday Party at City’s Geographic Center (March 4), Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival (March 8), Chicago Irish Film Festival (through March 9), Dancing With Chicago Celebrities (March 14), Shamrock’n the Block (March 15), Savor Lincoln Park (March 19), West Town Restaurant Week (March 21-29), Holi at Navy Pier (March 22), Shamrock Shuffle (March 23), Chicago White Sox home opener (March 27), The Other Art Fair (March 27–30), Chicago Tattoo Convention (March 28-30) and Wekfest Chicago (March 30).
For more March events, bookmark this post about the best weekend events which is updated every week.
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:
