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. The tradition returns this year thanks to the Chicago group that has been dyeing the river green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day for decades By Grace Erwin • Published March 3, 2025 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 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. 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 When does the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade take place? Bagpipers play during the Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11, 2023 in Chicago. (Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune) 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. Chicago River Dyeing 2025: Everything you need to know. Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 Chicago River Dyeing and other events happening this St. Patrick's weekend. Soak in the vibrant green waters from aboard Seadog on St. Patrick's Day. Guests can watch the river dyeing at 10am from the docked boat—the 45-minute cruise will commence afterwards. Cruises St. Patrick's Day 2025 in Chicago will once again kick off with the iconic Chicago River Dyeing By NBC Chicago Staff • Published February 18, 2025 • Updated on March 10, 2025 at 3:53 pm BOOKMARKER A River North staple for lunch, happy hour, nightlife & gaming takes FUN to a whole new level this St. Patrick's Day in Chicago. Enjoy a spacious and high-energy event (steps from the river) with a morning drink and buffet kickoff package at Highline. Saturday, March 15th * Doors Open at 8am 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 Balbo drives in Grant Park. The parade As is tradition, the Chicago River will be turned green for St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 15. Crews start the process in the morning, working from Columbus Drive to Orleans Street, and the Related: 12 St. Patrick's Day Party Cocktails and Appetizer Ideas for the Most Irish Day of the Year How Long Does the Green Dye Last in the Chicago River? With that bright, saturated shade of 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 the last 60 years, enterprising Chicagoans have dyed the city’s river a vibrant green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Thousands of residents turn up to watch the Chicago River light up for Chicago typically goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day, and 2025 will likely be no exception. From the iconic river dyeing to a handful of parades scattered across the city, there’s no shortage Why do they turn the Chicago River green? Scott Olson/Getty Images. For more than 60 years, the Windy City has been turning the Chicago River green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.It started in Eventbrite - Chicago Sport and Social Club presents St. Patrick's Day Green River Cruise - Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Island Party Hut, Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL, USA, Chicago, IL. St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise. Join us on Saturday, March 15th, 2025, for our annual St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise and celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend in spectacular fashion! Don your best green attire and get ready to shake your shamrocks for a whale of a good time as you eat, drink and be merry from the comfort of our luxurious vessels.
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