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. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago St. Patrick’s Day At The Irish American Heritage Center. 4-11 p.m. Monday, March 17. Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. While most St. Patrick’s Day events are happening the weekend prior, you can celebrate on the actual holiday with the Irish American Heritage Center. Chicago St. Patrick's Day parade route The city's downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade is celebrating its 70th anniversary. The parade steps off at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at Columbus and Members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 UA dye the Chicago River green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Loop, Saturday, March 16, 2024. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times Share Get Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade 2025 What we know: While St. Patrick's Day officially takes place on Monday, March 17, the City of Chicago's parade will step off at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. After the dyeing of the Chicago River, St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities will continue with the 70th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As in years' past, the parade will likely kick Zoom in: Here's a list of St. Paddy's celebrations for foodies, families, teetotalers and more. For the diehards (and us!) My colleague Moyo will brave the throngs of green Saturday (so you don't have to) and board the St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise on the First Lady. The two-hour cruise starts at 10am and includes two drinks, corned beef The Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, the dyeing of the Chicago River, the Archer Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Avondale St. Patrick's Day Parade take place on Saturday, March 15. The 70 th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive shortly after the river is dyed green, according to officials. I’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, including my own top pick. (Special thanks to my brother who lives in Chicago and knows how to drink.) If you want to keep digging into St. Patty’s Day fare, stick with Choose Chicago. Top 9 activities in Chicago for St. Patty’s Day #1: Watch the river run green Zoom in: Here's a list of St. Paddy's celebrations for foodies, families, teetotalers and more. For the diehards (and us!) My colleague Moyo will brave the throngs of green Saturday (so you don't have to) and board the St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise on the First Lady. The two-hour cruise starts at 10am and includes two drinks, corned beef The Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, the dyeing of the Chicago River, the Archer Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Avondale St. Patrick's Day Parade take place on Saturday, March 15. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago 2025 always takes place the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. The parade will begin this year on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at noon. Like previous years, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will move along Columbus Drive from Balbo to Monroe Street. With the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and Chicago River dyeing happening at 10 a.m. Saturday and the actual holiday falling Monday, the Windy City is going to be spending a long weekend CHICAGO (WLS) -- St. Patrick's Day celebrations will take place this weekend in Chicago. The iconic dyeing of the Chicago River is expected at 10 a.m. Saturday. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. According to a well-researched 2024 Block Club Chicago feature by Linze Rice, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Chicago was held in 1843 and included citizens, a band and a military group of Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago St. Patrick’s Day At The Irish American Heritage Center. 4-11 p.m. Monday, March 17. Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. While most St. Patrick’s Day events are happening the weekend prior, you can celebrate on the actual holiday with the Irish American Heritage Center. St. Patrick’s Day Boat Cruises. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Chicago Sport and Social Club aboard the Island Party Hut! Grab your green gear, round up your crew, and get ready for a shamrockin’ good time as we cruise the Chicago River in style on Saturday, March 15th, 2025. Option 1: St. Patrick’s Day River Dye Cruise. Time: 10:00 AM Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive afternoon tea service at LondonHouse Chicago. Enjoy a curated selection of savory bites, sweet treats, and premium teas at Bridges Lobby Bar from March 1–31, 2025. It’s St. Patrick’s Day! Duffy’s has the best deal in Chicago to start your day! 9 AM-12 PM: EARLY BIRD TICKETS START AT $30 ***** Start your party early with our 3 Hour Hosted Drink Package & Meal Ticket! Your General Admission Ticket Includes:
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |