Chicago Celebrates St. Patrick's Day with River Dyeing, Parades, and Packed Bars

The city's iconic annual traditions draw crowds despite chilly weather.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:24am

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Chicago kicked off St. Patrick's Day weekend with the annual dyeing of the Chicago River, a parade, and packed bars across the city. Crowds gathered to watch the Plumbers Union Local 130 transform the river into a shamrock delight, while partygoers enjoyed live music, festive food, and Irish cheer at local establishments.

Why it matters

Chicago's St. Patrick's Day celebrations are a beloved tradition that brings the community together each year to mark the holiday. Despite the chilly weather, the events draw hundreds of thousands of spectators, showcasing the city's vibrant culture and spirit.

The details

The festivities included the annual dyeing of the Chicago River, led by the city's Plumbers Union Local 130, which has been a tradition for over six decades. Bars and restaurants across the city, such as Lizzie McNeill's in Streeterville, hosted parties with live music, Irish-themed food and drinks, and the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band. The 48th annual South Side Irish Parade also took place on Sunday, drawing large crowds along Western Avenue.

  • The Chicago River was dyed green on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • The 48th annual South Side Irish Parade took place on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130

The union that has led the tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green for over six decades.

Lizzie McNeill's

A bar in the Streeterville neighborhood that hosted a St. Patrick's Day party with live music, festive food, and the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like seeing the crowd, seeing the community, seeing all those boats go by, seeing the Guinness boat, that was really fun.”

— Paige Larsen (FOX32 Chicago)

“We left our spring break… which is like 80 degrees there to 20 degrees, just to see the river dyed.”

— Erica Negedly (FOX32 Chicago)

“It's so fun, everybody here, I love them, everybody is just so happy.”

— Emma Brown (FOX32 Chicago)

What’s next

The 48th annual South Side Irish Parade will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2026, stepping off at noon along Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th streets.

The takeaway

Chicago's St. Patrick's Day celebrations, including the iconic river dyeing and parade, demonstrate the city's vibrant community spirit and commitment to preserving long-standing traditions, even in the face of chilly weather.