43 Ways To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day In Chicago

From bar crawls and trivia to live performances and food specials, here are 43 ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Chicago celebrates St. Patrick's Day like no other, taking over the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day to transform the city into its own Emerald Isle. The Chicago River will be dyed green, accompanied by endless parties, bar crawls, parades, performances, family festivals and more to help you celebrate in the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day as well as on the holiday itself.

Why it matters

St. Patrick's Day is a major cultural and community celebration in Chicago, with the city's Irish heritage and traditions on full display through parades, festivals, food, music and more. The annual dyeing of the Chicago River is an iconic tradition that draws large crowds and kicks off a weekend of festivities across the city.

The details

The Chicago tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green is back for its 71st year, with the river turning its iconic St. Patrick's Day bright green. This will be followed by the Downtown St. Patrick's Day parade in Grant Park, celebrating the holiday with floats, bands and more. There are also several other neighborhood parades, including the growing South Side Irish Parade, the Northwest Side Irish Parade, and the Chicago Working Families' Archer Avenue parade. In addition to the parades, there will be Irish-themed markets, river cruises, kayaking, family festivals, bar crawls, parties, food and drink specials, and live music and performances across the city.

  • The Chicago River will be dyed green on March 14, 2026.
  • The Downtown St. Patrick's Day parade in Grant Park will follow the river dyeing on March 14, 2026.
  • The South Side Irish Parade will take place at noon on March 15, 2026.
  • The Northwest Side Irish Parade will kick off at noon on March 15, 2026.
  • The Chicago Working Families' Archer Avenue parade will be held at noon on March 14, 2026.

The players

Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130

The Chicago Plumbers Union that dyes the Chicago River green each year to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

A nonprofit organization hosting a post-parade party on March 14, 2026.

Old Town School of Folk Music

Providing live music and dance performances at various St. Patrick's Day events around the city.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery

Hosting St. Patrick's Day celebrations with food, drinks, music and more at their West Loop location from March 13-15, 2026.

Chicago Public Library

Hosting a family-friendly St. Patrick's Day story time event on March 14, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.