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It’s time to break out your finest green attire and head downtown to gawk at floats decked out in Irish revelry. Chicago takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously, which means a little planning goes a long way. Will you choose green beer and shenanigans, or a quieter afternoon browsing maker’s markets and cultural festivals? Consider this your choose-your-own adventure for the weekend.
We’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. Whether that means raising a pint of Guinness, catching some Celtic music or ducking into a cozy Irish pub, there are plenty of ways to lean into the holiday spirit. Here are our picks for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—and Irish culture—around the city.
RECOMMENDED: Your guide to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Dyeing of the Chicago River
Chicago Riverwalk, Mar 14 at 10am
A tradition since 1962, representatives of the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pour dye into the Chicago River on the morning of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, turning the water a bright shade of green. For a rundown of the most prime viewing locations, check out our guide to the best places to watch the Chicago River dyeing.
Shamrock’n the Block
Old St. Patrick’s Church, Mar 14 noon–6pm
Head to the West Loop after the parade for this all-day block party packed with Irish cheer. Expect live music from acts like Whiskey Mick and others, pub fare and family-friendly activities like face painting and Irish dancing. Advance tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets will be available at the door.
St. Patrick’s Weekend Festival
110 W Hubbard St, Mar 13 4–10pm, Mar 14 8am–10pm
Hubbard Street transforms into a two-day street party with DJs, live bands, outdoor bars and food vendors. Your ticket includes access to nearby nightlife spots like Hubbard Inn, Joy District and Boss Bar.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Grant Park, Mar 14 at 12:30pm
After the famous river dyeing, the celebration marches to Columbus Drive for one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades. Bagpipers, Irish dancers, marching bands and a few enthusiastic politicians make their way north from Balbo Drive toward Buckingham Fountain. This year marks the parade’s 70th anniversary.
South Side Irish Parade
Beverly, Mar 15 at 3pm
One of Chicago’s most beloved neighborhood parades winds down Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th Street. Expect marching bands, floats and plenty of bagpipes celebrating the South Side’s deep Irish roots. The vibe is more family-friendly these days—save the green beer for afterward.
St. Patrick’s Fest at Irish American Heritage Center
Irish American Heritage Center, Mar 14 12:30–11pm, Mar 15 1–10pm
This annual festival celebrates Irish culture with two days of music, dance, food and family activities. You’ll find traditional performances, kids’ programming like Wiggleworms, plus an arts and crafts fair and used book sale. It’s one of the most authentic ways to experience Irish heritage in Chicago.
St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise
Chicago Riverwalk, Mar 14 10am–2pm
See the famous green river up close aboard a festive cruise from Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. The two-hour sail features shamrock decor, live bagpipers, Irish cocktails and an open-air deck perfect for river viewing. Tickets ($140–$175) also include a boxed corned beef sandwich.
The river may only turn green once a year, but Chicago’s Irish pub culture runs year-round. Across the city, neighborhood bars pour pints of Guinness alongside hearty fare and serious whiskey selections. If crowds downtown get overwhelming, slipping into a cozy pub is always the right move.
St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way, Mar 15 11am–3pm
This Lakeview celebration mixes live Irish music and dance with family-friendly fun like face painting, balloon artists and lawn games. Grab a green beer, Irish coffee or hot chocolate while enjoying the performances.
Irish Village Market
Pioneer Court, Mar 14 9am–3pm
This free, all-ages market brings a taste of Ireland to downtown on river-dyeing day. Expect authentic Irish food, drinks, crafts and a stage of traditional music and dance throughout the day. It’s part street market, part cultural festival.