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 on the Chicago Riverwalk. For the best views of the festivities, head for the portion of the walkway between Columbus Drive and State Street.
Chicago got a surprise river dyeing in 2021, but it's been two years since crowds gathered to watch the water turn green. On Saturday, March 12, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 will pour 50 pounds of dye into a quarter-mile stretch of the Chicago River (from Columbus Drive to State Street). After the river changes colors, it's off to Grant Park for the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade. Crews begin dumping dye into the river at 9am and it usually takes about 45 minutes to complete the process (here's how the dye the river). Whether you decide to crowd onto the Riverwalk or buy a ticket to a rooftop event, here's where you can watch the St. Patrick's Day Chicago River dyeing.
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