St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago! One of the most colorful Chicago traditions is on the horizon: The 2025 Chicago River Dyeing in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

The legendary event, which dates back more than 60 years, takes place for 2025 on Saturday, March 15. according to Choose Chicago, when boats will spread the eco-friendly dye throughout the river until the water is a bright, emerald green.

The dye is often visible several days after the event and through the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

Some events take place even before the big river dyeing. Sunday in the suburbs, the Village of Tinley Park will hold its 25th annual Irish Parade. The parade steps off at 1 p.m., with road closures expected.

As St. Patrick’s Day events and the Chicago River Dyeing approach, here’s what to know.

What time is the Chicago River dyeing for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago in 2025?

If you’re interested in seeing the color change in person, you’ll want to head to State and Columbus at 10 a.m. While the lower Riverwalk will be closed, spectators can watch from Upper Wacker Drive or one of the city’s many bridges.

Where to watch the Chicago River dyeing

The lower Riverwalk will be closed, so to watch the color changing phenomenon take place, spectators should head to Upper Wacker Drive or one of the city’s bridges. NBC Chicago also plans to stream the event live on NBCChicago.com, the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel and our YouTube channel.

Some of the best views for watching the river transform to emerald green are between Columbus Drive and Fairbanks Court.

How did the St. Patrick’s Day tradition River dyeing in Chicago start?

The story goes, in 1961, a man by the name of Stephen Bailey — the business manager of the plumbers union — was approached by “one of his plumbers who was wearing some white coveralls,” a post by Local 130 says. It was then the union says, that Bailey noticed the overalls had been stained or dyed with “a perfect shade of green,” or “an Irish green to better describe it.” Read More At NBC 5 Chicago!

There’s nothing quite like St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, when Irish taverns fill with revelers, cultural celebrations pop up in every corner of the city, and the Chicago River sparkles brilliant shades of emerald green.

In this article

• Chicago River dyeing
• Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade
• St. Patrick’s Day river cruises
• St. Patrick’s Day neighborhood events
• Festive food and drink specials

The history of St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago goes back more than 175 years. Now a longstanding tradition, Chicago’s Irish parade was first held in 1843. The dyeing of the Chicago River was added in 1962, quickly becoming one of Chicago’s most famous events.

Along with the downtown festivities, Chicago’s proud Irish heritage is also on full display in our neighborhoods — from Beverly (a traditionally Irish enclave) to the Irish American Heritage Center near Albany Park.

Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with events and things to do in Chicago.

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade

​​Saturday, March 15, 2025
The70th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the country and the centerpiece of the city’s unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Catch the festive procession on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive.

Don your best green outfit or kilt and grab a good spot before the parade begins at noon. You won’t want to miss The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, the city’s premier Irish band, who have been leading the procession since the first official parade in 1956. You’ll alsosee plenty of colorful floats waving their Irish flags high, troops of Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and more during the three-hour celebration. 

St. Patrick’s Day river cruises

Learn More About St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago at Choose Chicago!

Parades, Bar Crawls, Family Fests And More!

by Leen Yassine March 5, 2025Updated March 6, 2025

Credibility:

• Original Reporting
• Sources Cited

CHICAGO — Chicago is a city that proudly revels in its Irish heritage — and St. Patrick’s Day is just one way the city flaunts its Emerald Isle pride.

While Chicago literally turns green when it dyes the river the weekend before St. Pat’s, there are also citywide parades and parties, family fests and craft workshops, music and dance performances, drag brunches and bar crawls and so much more.

Whether you’re looking to attend one of Chicago’s many parades, kayak through the Chicago River while it’s the color of a shamrock, slug some green beer at a pub or indulge in an Irish breakfast, we’ve rounded up more than 40 ways to commemorate this lucky time of year — from now through March 17.

Here’s a roundup of 45 ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago:

Parades

Chicago River Dyeing & St. Patrick’s Day Parade

10 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Various locations Downtown

The Chicago River is going green for the 70th year this weekend, dyed by the Plumber’s Local 130. A longtime tradition, Chicagoans can catch some of the best views of the newly colored river from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks. More information on the parade route, time and where to find the best views will be posted online as the parade nears.

South Side Irish Parade

Noon Sunday, March 16

Starts at 103rd Street and Western Avenue, proceeding south to 115th Street and Western Avenue (Beverly/Morgan Park)

Bagpipers, marching bands and local community groups will take to the streets for this 46th annual parade. The family-friendly celebration has grown into the largest community-based St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Ireland, according to its website.

Northwest Side Irish Parade

Noon Sunday, March 16

William J. Onahan Elementary School, 6634 W. Raven St.

A family tradition for the past 22 years, the Northwest Side Irish Parade features a slew of local groups and neighbors dancing, skipping and playing Irish music. The parade kicks off at Neola Avenue and Raven Street, continues down North Northwest Highway and ends with an afterparty at Zia’s Social, 6158 N. Northwest Highway. Read More At Block Club Chicago Your Neighborhood News Site!

You can even find more to do by going to https://stpattysdaychicago.com/ A.K.A. St. Patrick’s Day headquarters! Were you will find a whole list of Chicago’s St. Paddy’s lineup & events!