St. Patrick’s day is celebrated vibrantly in Chicago. From the river dyeing to fun dining experiences, there is so much to do in the Windy City this St. Patrick’s day. So put on your favorite green outfit and follow this guide for your most festive St. Patty’s day yet!

Chicago River Dyeing 

Perhaps the most iconic St. Patrick’s day festivity in Chicago, you can’t miss the Chicago River dyeing. This beloved tradition will be held Saturday March 14 starting at 10 am. Get there early for a better view and to watch the dye flow from the boats, transforming the heart of the city in a festive way. 

For the best views, head to the riverwalk between State Street and Columbus Drive, where you’ll have a front-row seat to the celebration. It’s perfect to catch before heading off to parades, pubs, or other St. Patrick’s Day festivities around the city.

Bar Crawls and Dining

There are countless dining and bar options in Chicago for this St. Patrick’s day. For a great view of the river dyeing, stop by the popular City Winery at the Chicago Riverwalk. Along with an up-close view, there are unlimited food and drinks, morning or afternoon. Guests can get a birds-eye view of this tradition at Raised, An Urban Rooftop, where green beer, mimosas, and an Irish breakfast buffet will be accompanied by a DJ and bagpipers. 

If you want to strike gold and get in the true spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, make your way to Cork & Kerry, a beloved neighborhood staple known for its authentic atmosphere and impressive beer selection. If celebrating on the water sounds more your style, Navy Pier’s “Shamrockin’ at the Pier” Pub Crawl brings the luck of the Irish to the lakefront with drink specials, live music, themed games, and nonstop festive fun. Wherever you end up, expect plenty of green, great drinks, and a city-wide celebration.

Parades

Parades are a St. Patrick’s day classic in Chicago. The largest is in Grant Park, which brings in over 100,000 people ready to show their Irish pride, making it one of the largest St. Patrick’s day parades in the US! This parade will start shortly after the river dyeing, at 12:15 pm on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive. Come in your best green outfit and ready to enjoy The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, colorful floats, groups of Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and more during the three-hour celebration.

The St. Patrick’s Day fun doesn’t stop with just one parade. On March 15, the celebration spreads across the city with multiple parades popping up in true Chicago fashion. Head to Western Avenue for the lively South Side Irish Parade, known for its big energy and proud neighborhood spirit. For a more community- and family-focused celebration, the Northwest Side Irish Parade brings tradition and charm to the Norwood Park neighborhood. Over on the southwest side, the Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade rounds out the festivities, giving you plenty of chances to keep the green going all weekend long.

Irish American Heritage Center

Stop by the Irish American Heritage Center to immerse yourself in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. In the days leading up to the holiday, the center hosts a variety of festive events, including Irish singing workshops and concerts, Celtic art classes, and other cultural experiences that celebrate Irish heritage. These events offer a meaningful and lively way to connect with tradition while embracing the season’s celebratory energy.

Beyond special programming, the Irish American Heritage Center is worth a visit any time of year. Explore galleries featuring Irish art, browse the extensive library, or settle into the on-site pub for a drink that’s sure to put you in a lucky mood. Whether you’re there for a class, a performance, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, it’s a stop that captures the heart of Irish culture in Chicago.

Luck All Year Round

Chicago certainly knows how to celebrate, and the good luck doesn’t have to end when St. Patrick’s Day festivities wind down. At Hotel EMC2, every stay feels like striking gold at the end of the rainbow, where art, science, and luxury come together in unexpected ways. Best of all, it’s all set in the heart of Chicago. Book your stay and turn every day into a lucky one.