Dates not confirmed yet. This edition is expected in March 2027, based on when it has run before. Check the organizer before making plans.

Holidays & Parades

Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade and River Dyeing

#st.patrick'sday#parade#riverdyeing#grantpark#irish#chicagoriver

Date

Expected March 2027

Location

Columbus Drive, Grant Park
Columbus Dr & Balbo Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Organized by

Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee

About this happenin

The Chicago River turns green on the Saturday at or before March 17, and the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade follows on Columbus Drive in Grant Park. The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus and heads north. The idea for the dyeing came in 1961, when a plumber turned up in white coveralls stained an Irish green by the dye used to trace leaks into the river. Plumbers Local 130 has dyed it from boats ever since, and the union has organized the parade itself since 1956. The dye goes in orange and the green comes up a moment later. The best view is from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks. The city closes the stairways to the lower Riverwalk on parade day, so don't count on it as a viewing spot.