Chicago Celebrates St. Patrick's Day with Iconic River Dyeing and Parade

Thousands gather to witness the annual tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green and enjoy the downtown parade.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:41pm

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Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities drew large crowds to witness the iconic dyeing of the Chicago River green and the downtown parade. The river dyeing, carried out by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130, has been a decades-old tradition that attracts thousands of spectators each year. Following the river dyeing, the city's St. Patrick's Day parade took place, featuring Irish pipe bands, local organizations, marching bands, and elected officials.

Why it matters

The St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Chicago are a beloved tradition that bring the community together, showcasing the city's Irish heritage and cultural diversity. The event attracts both locals and tourists, contributing to the city's economy and reinforcing its reputation as a vibrant, festive destination.

The details

The river dyeing process involved boats from Shoreline Sightseeing spraying bright green dye into the Chicago River, starting at Columbus Drive and continuing to Orleans Street. Mayor Brandon Johnson was among the officials who participated in the event. After the river dyeing, thousands of people flocked to Grant Park for the downtown Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, which featured the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, elected officials, local organizations, and high school marching bands from across the country.

  • The river dyeing took place just before 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • The St. Patrick's Day parade began at 12:15 p.m. on the same day, starting at Balbo Drive and proceeding north on Columbus Drive to Monroe Street.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who waved from one of the boats during the river dyeing event.

Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130

The union responsible for the annual tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green.

Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band of Chicago

The parade's guests of honor, celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.

J.B. Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who participated in the parade.

Dick Durbin

The U.S. senator from Illinois who participated in the parade.

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What they’re saying

“I love St. Patrick's Day, it's my favorite holiday. I'm Irish. I mean, not legally, but I have the spirit.”

— Leslie Moore (Chicago Tribune)

“This is my first time wearing this. I feel like every year I go more and more crazy.”

— Juliana Perez (Chicago Tribune)

“It's been a really fun trip. It's been super cool meeting a bunch of new people.”

— Roxie Simmons (Chicago Tribune)

“It's awesome to see how many people come out and cheer you on. The people we play with over the years have become our family.”

— Marianne McKibbin (Chicago Tribune)

The takeaway

Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations, featuring the iconic river dyeing and parade, have become a beloved tradition that brings the community together, showcases the city's Irish heritage, and attracts both locals and tourists, contributing to the city's vibrant culture and economy.