As is tradition, the Chicago River will be turned green for St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 15. Crews start the process in the morning, working from Columbus Drive to Orleans Street, and the dye typically lasts a day or two (here's how they dye the river). After the water changes colors, it's off to Grant Park for the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade. While it's free to crowd onto Upper Wacker Drive to watch the river dyeing, restaurants and bars along the water will also host viewing parties, complete with open bars and brunch buffets. The following places still have tickets available for their events, but don't delay because they will sell out. No matter what kind of vibe you're looking for, here's where you can watch the St. Patrick's Day Chicago River dyeing.
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The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pours 40 pounds of dye into a quarter-mile stretch of the Chicago River over the course of 45 minutes.
Crews are scheduled to begin dumping dye into the river at 10am on Saturday, March 15.
In honor of St. Patrick's Day! The tradition was started in 1962 when members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union were feeling festive and decided to dump 100 pounds of dye into the water.
The exact formula is a secret, but it’s an orange-red, vegetable-based powder.
You'll have to arrive early to get a great spot, but you won't have to shell out any cash for a spectacular view of the river dyeing from Upper Wacker Drive. For the best views of the festivities, head for the portion between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street.
Want to ball out during the St. Patrick's Day river dyeing? Watch the water turn green from RPM Seafood's all-inclusive event, which includes passed appetizers, breakfast and lunch favorites, chilled seafood and a premium open bar across three floors. Tickets are available via Tock.
Looking out from the intersection of State and Wacker, you'll get a great perspective of the River Dyeing at RAISED, located atop the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. Each ticket includes breakfast, green beer, cocktails, mimosas and Bloody Marys—and it's just a short walk to the parade in Grant Park. Tickets are available via Tock.
Perched on the 11th floor of the St. Regis Chicago, Miru offer spectacular sights of the Chicago River. On March 15, guests will be able to nosh on classic brunch fare and Japanse bites, and enjoy an open bar and live DJ during the restaurant's four-hour party. General admission tickets, available via OpenTable, are $175 per person; you can also reserve a VIP booth for you and your friends.
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One of the most popular Irish pubs to party at on St. Patrick's Day, Lizzie McNeill's takes over a street along the river for its celebrations. The festivities kick off at 9am, but admission is first come, first served so arrive early to secure a spot (the line starts at 7am).
The American bistro located next to the river is serving a brunch buffet full of Irish favorites, so watch the water dyed green while enjoying a delicious spread. Tickets are $65 per person and avialable via OpenTable.
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is offering two ways for Chicagoans to celebrate the river dyeing. For unparalleled views, take the elevator up to the penthouse on the 39th floor to enjoy a festive party featuring a brunch buffet, open bar, live DJ and more. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
If you're looking for a place to keep the fun going after the river turns green, visit the Royal Sonesta's ground floor restaurant, Hoyt's. It'll be offering a la carte specialty cocktails and green beer as well as Irish-inspired dishes. Entry is free and you can RSVP here.
The hotel's Grand Ballroom is hosting a lavish ($215 for adults, $85 for kids) river dyeing event, complete with a brunch buffet offering Irish-themed bites and a premium open bar. In addition to sweeping views of the Chicago River, guests will also be treated to performances from the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band and an Irish dance group. The festivities starts bright and early at 8am, but an Irish coffee should help you wake up. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Chicago's First Lady provides an up-close look at the green river via a series of two-hour St. Paddy's Day-themed Clover Cruises. Starting at $159, you can climb aboard the stately ship and party amid shamrock decor, live bagpipers, Irish-themed cocktails and an open-air deck perfect for peeping the emerald waters below. Plus, all attendees get a corned beef sandwich and two drink tickets. Cruises depart between 10am and 2pm. Tickets are available here.
Soak in the vibrant green waters from aboard Seadog on St. Patrick's Day. Guests can watch the river dyeing at 10am from the docked boat—the 45-minute cruise will commence afterwards. Cruises depart between 11am-4pm. Tickets are available here.
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