St Patrick's Day Chicago

How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

By Andrew Martineau

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday beloved by many, but it’s particularly special to Chicagoans. As a city with a vibrant Irish heritage—and an even more enthusiastic Irish-American population—Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate St. Paddy’s. From dyeing its iconic river a vivid green to holding one of the best St. Paddy’s parades in the US, Chicago goes all out for this holiday.

Here’s a guide to what to do, where to go, and how to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. So put on your best, brightest green outfit and get ready to celebrate. 

Dyeing of the Chicago River

Each year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, the city of Chicago dyes its famous river a lush bright green. This is a cherished tradition dating back over 50 years and is one of the highlights of any celebration. Every year spectators from across the city and around the country line the bridges and riverwalk to watch the barges release the dye into the water and see the river slowly turn emerald green. They use organic dyes that are safe for the environment; as a result, the color only lasts for about five hours. The dyeing begins at 9 am, so get to the river early in the day if you want to see the color in its full glory.

Chicago River St Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

One of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the country, Chicago’s vibrant version of an Irish-American classic, is legendary. This downtown celebration traverses Columbus Drive, heading north from Balbo to Monroe. Columbus Drive divides Millennium Park and Grant Park in half, so the parade route is a scenic one. The parade usually begins at noon, so arrive early to grab a good spot. You’ll enjoy plenty of green, white, and orange outfits, Irish step dancers, marching bands, elaborately decorated floats, and even bagpipers (of course!)

St Patrick's Day parade

Other St Patrick's Day events in Chicago

There are plenty of things to do across Chicago to celebrate your favorite Irish holiday. Check out a few of these local events & activities to make the most of your time in the Windy City.

  • St. Patrick’s Festival at the Irish-American Heritage Center: Held after the parade, this family-friendly event offers traditional and contemporary dance performances alongside tasty food and drink. A good option for those traveling with kids.
     
  • South Side Irish Parade: Another great family-centric event, this smaller but no less enthusiastic parade begins at noon on the Sunday nearest St. Paddy’s Day, setting off from 103rd Street & Western Avenue.
     
  • Shoreline Cruises Architecture River Cruise: While this architecture cruise also runs regularly on days the river isn’t green, the cruises today are especially popular. Get up close to the emerald waters and snap those perfect Instagram shots while learning all about the city’s built environment.
     
  • Leprechaun Leap: This popular race offers 5k or 8k courses along the gorgeous Lake Michigan waterfront. It’s been a beloved tradition among runners for nearly 20 years now, and attracts participants from all over. Dress in costume for the most fun!
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  • Hop-on Hop-off Chicago City Tour: See more of the city with a hop-on hop-off tour from Big Bus. Take advantage of their local expertise to get some advice on what else to do to celebrate, and get around the city easily.
Chicago green river

Places to eat & drink on St. Paddy’s Day in Chicago

One of most people’s favorite things about St. Patrick’s Day is the opportunity to enjoy delicious Irish food and a pint or two of plain (aka Guinness). Scope out these bars and restaurants while you’re in town for the holiday. Many places will have special events on, some requiring advance tickets, so these aren’t your only options by any means.

If you’re traveling with an adults-only group, you may also want to consider a pub crawl through River North (Division Street is always popular). Remember, bars in Chicago stay open very late if you need an excuse to keep the festivities going.

  • Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant: This River North mainstay is perfect for those looking to enjoy traditional Irish fare with a bit of a modern update.
     
  • D4 Irish Pub & Café: Think Irish food with some modern American flair thrown in: fish and chips or corned beef and hash, plus avocado toast and lobster mac n’ cheese.
     
  • Lady Gregory’s: An Andersonville legend, Lady Gregory’s is a must-visit destination for whiskey connoisseurs. With more than 300 options to choose from, make sure you take advantage of their full dining menu to balance it all out.
     
  • The Galway Arms: Found just west of Lincoln Park (right near the zoo), the Galway Arms has been voted Best Irish Pub for four years running. Enjoy its cozy historical vibe and scrumptious authentic cuisine.
     
  • The Grafton Pub & Grill: Located in Lincoln Square, this traditional Irish pub features tasty burgers with an extensive whiskey menu. They’re always good for some Irish-American music, too.
Irish stew

Tips for Booking St. Patrick’s Day Hotels

If you do intend to make St. Paddy’s in Chicago a part of your next getaway, be sure to plan in advance. Hotels book up fast, and crowds are thick around the riverfront and parade route. Check out our logistical tips for a smoother vacation.

  • Because St. Patrick’s Day is such a big holiday for the city of Chicago, many hotels will run special deals or discounted rates around this time of year. 
     
  • If you are a member of a hotel’s reward program, it might be a good idea to cash in some points now. You can reserve in advance and pay less than you would otherwise.
     
  • Even if you aren’t sure of your plans, book your hotel room at a refundable rate that you can alter later if necessary.
     
  • Aggregate sites like Trivago, Hotels.com, and Expedia can be good resources for finding affordable hotels. Keep in mind that some sites may require that you pay for the full price of the hotel upfront.
     
  • Look for hotels outside the immediate downtown area. While you probably want to stay in the Loop to be near the parade and other Chicago attractions, you don’t need to stay right off Millennium Park to be close. River North or Lincoln Park are great neighborhoods to find hotels that won’t be as full.
St Patrick's Day festivities

Some useful Chicago resources to help you plan your trip

Check out the top things to do in Chicago, things to do when it rains in Chicago, and museums you must visit on your trip to the Windy City.

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Andrew Martineau
Go City Travel Expert

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