Where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

The Windy City boasts a rich history of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with unmatched parades, parties, and pub crawls compared to anywhere else in the world. Even Ireland natives flock to the city to partake in the fun-filled festivities. While St. Patrick’s Day is always on March 17, celebrations kick off the weekend before and run through the actual holiday.

The River Dyeing

Celebrations kick off with the time-honored dyeing of the river, an iconic tradition that has been carried out by the plumbers union since 1962. The group uses a secret “environmentally-friendly” recipe to turn the river emerald green, which is a unique St. Patrick’s Day event you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

This year, river dyeing will begin on Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m. between State Street and Columbus Drive, where spectators can line the four bridges between the streets or the riverwalk below for a prime view.

As seen in past years, the event is expected to draw large crowds, despite weather forecasts showing a high of 32 degrees and overcast conditions. The color also only lasts a few hours, so plan to arrive early.

The Parade

On the same day, the infamous St. Patrick’s Day Parade – a tradition since 1956 – starts at 12:30 p.m. on Columbus Drive and Balboa Avenue and will move north to end at Monroe Street. Buckingham Fountain will hold the main viewing stand with VIP seating for purchase.

Bundle up in your funkiest green attire and get ready to see performances from dancers and bands, like the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, who have led the parade since its first year.

Parties You Won’t Want to Miss

Once the river dyeing and parade are over, head to one (or several) of the celebrations happening around the city to fully immerse yourself in Irish culture. Here are 13 events you won’t want to miss.

Bar Crawls

River North St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

Highlights: Admission to 20+ bars, four free $5 gift cards to use for drinks, and giveaways on Saturday, March 16 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charms Bar Crawl in Wicker Park

Highlights: Admission to 5+ bars, free crawl t-shirt, St. Patrick’s Day sunglasses and swag, drink specials, and giveaways on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, 12 - 10 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charms Bar Crawl in Lincoln Park

Highlights: Admission to 5+ bars and clubs, free crawl t-shirt, St. Patrick’s Day sunglasses and swag, drink specials, and giveaways on Saturday, March 16 from 12 - 10 p.m.

Chicago Shamrock Crawl in Wrigleyville

Highlights: Admission to 30+ bars, free crawl t-shirt, breakfast, and a gift card on Saturday, March 16 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Restaurants & Single Bars

St. Patrick’s Day at Fado Irish Pub

Highlights: 22nd Annual St. Baldrick’s Head Shaving Event to support kids with cancer on Friday, March 15 at 6 p.m.; parade party with brunch and live music on Saturday, March 16 from 8:30 - 1:30 a.m.; and St. Patrick’s Day celebration with pub fare and live music on Sunday, March 17 from 10 - 1:30 a.m.

Gold Coast Social

Highlights: Irish whiskey drinks and stouts, appetizers, and music on Saturday, March 11 at 8 a.m.

CBR Restaurant

Highlights: St. Patrick's Day brunch with live DJ and food specials like the Corned Beef & Irish Banger Hash or a Classic Reuben, and specialty drinks including a Grasshopper cocktail, Shamrock shot, green beer, and Irish coffee on Saturday, March 16 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

St. Paddy’s Chicago at The River Kitchen & Bar

Highlights: Irish drink and buffet package, including Irish whiskey and Irish stouts, and music on Saturday, March 16 at 8 a.m.

Hotels

Columbus Tap at Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

Highlights: $31 all-day buffet, green beer, live Irish band performances on both Saturday, March 16 from 1-6 p.m. and Friday, March 17 from 3-9 p.m.

Cruises

Architecture River Cruise with Shoreline Sightseeing

Highlights: Views of the dyed green river with a tour of skyscrapers and the city’s history on Saturday, March 16 after 12:15 p.m. and Friday, March 17 after 10:45 a.m. (with more dates and times available)

St. Paddy’s Day Green River Cruises with Fire Boat Tours

Highlights: Views of the dyed green river on Saturday, March 17 from 11 a.m. -3:00 p.m.