St Patrick's Day Chicago 2025

Are you prepared to dress in green and celebrate St Patrick's Day? 

Saint Patrick's Day is a popular celebration across the United States that honors Irish heritage and Irish American culture. The festivities are all about vibrant green displays, delicious food and drinks, meaningful religious ceremonies, and lively parades!

The earliest St. Patrick's Day celebration in America occurred in 1600 in St. Augustine, Spanish Florida.

The Chicago parade originated in 1843 and was declared an official city event in the 1950s. In 1962, the city initiated its renowned tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day. Thousands gathered along the riverbanks to witness a boat dispersing the dye into the water. This practice started when sewer workers cleverly used green dye to detect sewer discharges, and they thought: Why not brighten things up for Saint Patrick's Day? Initially, a whopping 100 pounds of vegetable dye was used to keep the river green for an entire week! Now, they use just 40 pounds, and the color joyfully lasts for several hours.

Since 1991, either the US Congress or the President has designated March as Irish-American Heritage Month in honor of Saint Patrick's Day. Bring your family and friends to the lively celebration on Saturday, March 15, 2025!

What to Expect When Attending St Patrick's Day Chicago 2025

You won't want to miss the Chicago River's dyeing, which will begin at 10:00 a.m. The process starts near Columbus Drive and extends west toward State Street.

Using a secret eco-friendly dye, the river will be transformed into a stunning shade of emerald green within minutes. Did you know that boats pour the orange-colored powder into the river, and as they churn the water, the green hue appears as if by magic? The gorgeous green lasts just a few hours, so catch a glimpse and take photos. After that, you can head to a nearby pub for some green beer.

Following the river dyeing, the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. along Columbus Drive, starting at Balbo Drive and heading north toward Monroe Drive. This parade features colorful floats, Irish dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and community organizations. Politicians, firefighters, police officers, and members of Irish heritage groups proudly march while the crowd cheers and waves Irish flags.

The celebration doesn't end there. Want to have some more fun? On March 16, there will be other parades worth your time! South Side Irish Parade will start at 12:00 p.m. at Western Avenue, between 103rd & 115th Streets. Northwest Side Irish Parade also makes its way through the city at noon, starting at Onahan School.

For the best experience, plan to arrive early and dress warmly, as March weather in Chicago can be unpredictable. The temperatures are expected to be around 8 C (46 F) during the day and 2 C (36 F) at night.

Security Protocols

The parade route will have two access points: Ida B. Wells Drive and Jackson Boulevard, where entry will be managed to ensure safety and enjoyment for all. Please note that all purses and bags will be subject to checks for a smooth experience, and to keep things safe, coolers and alcohol aren't allowed. You'll also find friendly private security, police officers, and city workers along the Riverwalk and parade route ready to assist you.

How to Get To or From the Event

Public transportation is the easiest way to reach the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade and the river dyeing event, as traffic and parking restrictions will be in place.

• L Trains: The closest stations are Adams/Wabash (Orange, Green, Pink, and Brown Lines), Jackson (Blue and Red Lines), and Harold Washington Library (Brown, Orange, and Pink Lines).
• Buses: Several CTA buses serve Grant Park and Michigan Avenue, where the parade is held. Check the CTA website for reroutes due to street closures.
• Metra: Metra trains arrive at Union Station (West Loop) or Millennium Station (near Grant Park) if traveling from the suburbs.

St Patrick's Day Chicago 2025 Bag Policy

Bring only essentials to the event, as large bags are discouraged.

There's no area to store your items provided by the event's organizers, so feel free to contact Bounce.

Travelers from each corner of the world rely on Bounce when they're taking a journey and want to explore the city hands-free. Bounce is the leading luggage storage network that operates in over 4,000 cities. Chicago is one of them!

St Patrick's Day Chicago 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bag With Bounce and Get Closer to Ireland and Its Culture

You can find us on our website or grab your phone and download the Bounce app. There, you can search for locations and choose the one that best suits you. Then, book a facility in your chosen area and pay online!

The price for storing your bags in Chicago is only $4.10 per day. Our support is there for you whenever you have a question, and if you decide to cancel your booking, we won't charge you!

How to Stow Your Bag at St Patrick's Day Chicago 2025 With Bounce

• Book: Choose a convenient store, book it, and pay online.
• Store your stuff: Bring your confirmation, show it to the employee, and securely store your luggage.
• Have a memorable experience: Soak up all the joy! When your visit is over, return to the store to pick up your belongings.

How to Make the Most Out of St Patrick's Day Chicago 2025

• Take a river cruise: It's a great idea to book a Shamrock-themed boat cruise for a unique perspective of the green-dyed river.
• Join Irish-themed parties: Some of the most popular neighborhoods and venues you can visit for the St. Patrick's Day parties are River North, Wicker Park, and West Loop. Check here to see all the morning and afternoon parties.
• Dress for the occasion: Many attendees wear green from head to toe, with fun accessories like shamrock glasses, Irish hats, and beads. Blend into the crowd!
• Explore Irish pubs: Popular spots include The Gage, Fadó Irish Pub, Chief O'Neill's, and The Kerryman. Expect live DJs, Guinness, and much more!

Store your bags with Bounce during your stay in Chicago. Make your visit to the St Patrick's Day events unforgettable and make cherished memories!