St. Paddy's Day (Green River) 2025 in Chicago

How far is your city prepared to go for St. Patrick's Day? We bet Chicago will go even further! With parades and plenty of never-ending parties in pubs and neighborhoods all over the city, St Paddy's in the Windy City is something to look forward to. But the most extraordinary part of the local celebration, apart from celebrating St. Paddy's Day massively, must be the river dyeing.

Chicago River Dyeing (March 15, 2025)

Chicago has been dying its river emerald green for St. Patrick's Day for years now. The ritual starts on Saturday morning before St. Patrick's Day, namely at 10 am. You can watch the river going green between Columbus and Wacker drives. The Riverwalk is usually closed on this day, but you can witness the spectacle from Upper Wacker and other bridges across the river. Several boats spread the dye throughout the river, turning its waters vibrant emerald green.

The dye lasts a few hours and is environmentally friendly, as stated by the plumbers' union. Chicago's First Lady also organizes an annual Clover Cruise across the river, which departs several times between 10 am and 2 pm and lasts around two hours. Tickets vary from $135 to $150.

Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 15, 2025)

The River dyeing is followed by the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, considered the city's main event and the culmination of the Irish Day celebration. The procession usually starts at 12:15 pm, going along Columbus Drive from Balbo Drive and finishing at Monroe Drive. Gear up for countless colorful floats and flags, bagpipes, and Irish step dancers. This year marks the 70th anniversary of this beautiful tradition, sponsored by Chicago's Plumbers Local 130 UA. The massive three-hour parade continues with several block parties.

Shamrock'n The Block Party (March 15, 2025)

One of the most popular bashes must be the Shamrock'n The Block party by Old St. Patrick's Church, drawing crowds with lots of Guinness and Jameson. The tickets will normally set you back $100, but at this price, you've got unlimited entertainment from 11 am to late afternoon. The highlights of last year's program included Liam Durkin, Chancey Brothers, Whiskey Mick, Pipe & Drum bands, but also traditional fun like Irish dances, kids activities, and more. The event is normally held at the Old St. Patrick's Church.

St. Patrick's Day at the Irish American Heritage Center (mid-March, 2025)

The Irish American Heritage Center annually holds an impressive festival, attracting visitors with food, music, and Irish dances. The event usually takes place on the weekend of St. Patrick's Day and features traditional and contemporary Irish music, dancing, children's activities, and fun. Some of the performers included Whiskey Mick, The Shannon Rovers, Into the Heart, and the Quarantinis. Tickets cost around $15 in advance for adults and $20 at the door, while children under 12 can enter for free.

Other St. Patrick's Day Parades

Mind that apart from the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, South Side and Northwest Side neighborhoods hold their local St. Patrick's Day parades after the main event. So, chances are you can celebrate St.Patrick's Day at least three times during one weekend!

South Side Irish Parade (March 16, 2025)

The two-hour street extravaganza kicks off at noon from 103rd and Western Avenue and paves its way south to 115th and Western. South Side Irish Parade proudly claims to be the largest community-based St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Ireland. Please be respectful of the rules—stay sober and abide by family values. The event lasts around two hours and offers a fascinating glimpse into the neighborhoods' Irish heritage.

Northwest Side Irish Parade (March 16, 2025)

At the same time, the Northwest side of Chicago boasts another family tradition, which has been thriving for over 20 years. Always a grand success, the parade welcomes spectators to witness a vibrant green extravaganza in the heart of their neighborhood. Folks start assembling at William J. Onahan School at 10 am, but the walk steps off at noon, just like the South Side Irish Parade. The procession goes down N Neola Avenue, turns onto North Northwest Highway, and circles back to the original route. The parade after-party takes place at Zia's Social after the event.