March 11, 2023 @ 10:00 am - March 17, 2023 @ 8:00 pm CST
Free
From the iconic Chicago River dyeing ceremony to the anticipated St. Patrick's Day parade, Chicago celebrates St. Patrick's Day with fully emerald enthusiasm. Dust off your greenest outfits and experience the luck of the Irish while embracing multiple days of revelry during St Patricks Day Chicago!
It’s that time of year again, when Chi-town sparkles with dazzling shades of green and Magnificent Mile festivities, making the city a must-visit destination come St. Patrick's Day.
This holiday, dial up the excitement by viewing loads of dye being poured into the water, gulping the famous green beer, and rewarding your palate with authentic Irish cuisine.
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Follow along to uncover all the exciting activities to watch out for on St Patricks Day Chicago.
Nearby Hotels and Lodging
Anyone who’s ever been to the Second City has come away with this information: Chicago is worthy of your time and is meant to be explored for days. For those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, make sure to book hotels before March 17 to make the most of the city’s activities.
Score the best hotel deals by booking a room with Tripster:
- Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop
- Central Loop Hotel
- Club Quarters Hotel, Wacker at Michigan
- Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
- House 5863 Chicago Bed and Breakfast
- Hotel Felix
- InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
- River Hotel
- Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
- The Congress Plaza Hotel
- The Willows Hotel
Other Attractions in Chicago
No matter how you define fun, the Windy City is sure to provide you with an unforgettable time.
After taking in all the green festivities on St Patricks Day Chicago, extend your visit to check out some of the many treasures the city offers:
- Shoreline Sightseeing Boat Tour
- Big Bus Tours Chicago
- Go Chicago All-Inclusive Pass
- Go Chicago Explorer Pass
- Medieval Torture Museum Chicago
- Night Crime Tours
- Visit Chicago on a Private Walking Tour with 360 Observation Deck Tickets
St. Patrick’s Day Events and Activities
Chicago River Dyeing
When: March 11, 2023 at 10 AM
Where: Chicago River between State and Columbus
There’s nothing quite like this event, during which over 50 pounds of dye are thrown into the Chicago River in celebration of St Patrick s Day. Typically held on the same day as the annual parade, this activity dates back more than half a century.
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The color in the water lasts for a whole day, or longer without strong wind or rain. Since this tradition is a holiday staple, expect huge crowds and packed viewing locations this St Patrick’s day 2023 Chicago. Make sure to come early to save a good spot.
Most Popular Viewing Spots
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Michigan Avenue Bridge
- State Street Bridge
- Columbus Drive Bridge
- Wendella St.
- St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise
- Wendella St. Patrick's Day Cruise
- City Cruises Chicago St. Patrick's Day Cruises
Chicago St Patrick’s Day Parade 2023
When: March 11, 2023 at 12 PM
Where: Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago is like no other with elaborately designed floats, dozens of performers, and plenty of colors. This year’s theme, "Recognizing Workers' Rights", honors and shows gratitude to all the laborers who have made the city what it is today.
The annual parade is the centerpiece of Chi-town’s extraordinary St. Patrick's Day celebration, so expect plenty of merriment from troops of Irish step dancers and bagpipers to marching bands and musicians.
We’ve heard there are surprises during the revelry, just like last year's celebration which fell on Saturday, March 12. Don your best emerald clothing and join thousands of spectators for this downtown tradition.
Can’t come to the St Patrick’s Day Chicago 2023 parade? It’s a shame, but no worries as you can still be a part of the action even without staking out a spot at the St Patrick's Day Parade 2023 route. Tune in to the live broadcast of the parade aired on ABC Channel 7!
The guest of honor at Chicago St Patrick’s Day 2023 parade is Councillor Danny Collins, the Mayor of Cork County, Ireland. Other parades to join include the following:
South Side Irish Parade
When: March 12, 2023, at Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th Streets
Northwest Side Irish Parade
When: March 12, 2023, at Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway
Chicago St Patrick’s Day Parade Route 2023
The St Patricks Day parade route Chicago begins at Balbo and Columbus, and then the units will move north on Columbus Drive. The viewing stand will be at Buckingham Fountain.
Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day River Cruises
When: March 11, 2023
Chicago River St Patrick’s Day cruises are the perfect way to marvel at the green river and experience the festivity from a different perspective.
Watch the waters change color, sip themed cocktails and drinks, listen to live bagpipe musicians, and wave at the people immersing in the fun atmosphere along the river’s banks.
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The cruises also treat passengers to scenic views of the city’s tallest and finest structures as you glide along the river green. Some of the St. Patrick’s Day cruises include the following:
- St. Patrick’s Day Clover Cruise - Chicago’s First Lady
- St. Patrick’s Day Cruise - Wendella
- St. Patrick’s Day Lunch Cruises - Shoreline Sightseeing
- St. Patrick’s Lunch Cruise - City Experiences
Chicago St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
When you think of Chicago St. Patrick’s Day, you think not only of the parade and the green river but also of green beer and drink specials. Take in the energy of this Irish holiday with a fun St Patrick’s Day Chicago bar crawl.
Call on all Irish jig leprechauns, heavy drinkers, and four-leaf clover owners to join you in exploring the city’s waterholes and local Irish pubs. Many participating bars offer St Patrick’s Day Chicago tickets online, so get yours as early as Thursday, March 9th.
Themed Food and Drinks
Nothing tastes better than corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day, right? Load up on themed food and delicious Irish cuisines during your visit.
Many participating venues and restaurants take the celebration to new levels with special menus, including Fremont Chicago St Patrick’s Day and London house Chicago St Patrick’s Day.
Celebrate St Patricks Day Chicago
Whether you seek to deep dive into Irish culture through food tasting or watch in awe as the Chicago River turns into a bright emerald, there are plenty of ways to get into the green spirit this holiday at Chicago St Patricks Day.
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Join in a classic St Patrick’s Day Bar crawl Chicago, stuff yourself with Irish delicacies, or catch the annual St Patrick Day parade Chicago.
While you're at it, you can also turn your visit into a family friendly or carefree vacation with a Chicago vacation package!
Robert Garza says:
Hello & good day,
I have more of a question than a comment.
I saw on the Chicago local news that there is going to be a festival for St Patrick’s Day on the 12Mar22 by the Old St Pat’s Church in the west loop. That tickets could be purchase online. I am unable to locate this information. Can you please confirm this information? Or if you may have a link where I may be able to access, this would be very helpful.
Many thanks,
Robert Garza (Irish for the Day)
Teresa says:
Hello Robert! Here is a link to the event, it sounds like a blast. Have a great time!
Edulay says:
Will be in Chicago on March 17, will it still be dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day?
Teresa says:
Hi Edulay, the green dye only lasts 24-48 hours in the Chicago River. I wouldn’t expect to see those bright emerald hues on the 17th. We hope you enjoy the Windy City!
Audra says:
I don’t understand why they wouldn’t do it in the 17th??? The actual day of st pattys. That makes no sense.