Mar 12, 2026 - Culture
Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago
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St. Patrick's Day in 2019. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
St. Patrick's Day is one of the liveliest weekends in Chicago.
The vibe: From the downtown and neighborhood parades, the river dyeing and, of course, the food and drink specials, here's how to celebrate Chicago style.
☘️ Outdoor festivities
Make your way downtown to watch Plumbers Local 130 transform the river green.
- 10am Saturday. Be sure to get there early to grab a good spot.
- Free
Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade
- The annual parade's theme is inspired by "Da Pope," Leo XIV, with a special guest of honor, the Shannon Rovers Irish Bagpipe Band.
- Noon Saturday on Columbus Drive in the Loop.
- Free
- The nearly 50-year-old neighborhood parade features floats and performances repping the Southwest Side, with marching bands, a grand marshal and even a queen.
- Noon Sunday at 103rd and Western in Beverly.
- Free
Northwest Side Irish Parade
- St. Paddy's Day is not just for South Siders. Also an Irish enclave in Chicago, these neighborhoods gather for their own celebration.
- Noon Sunday at Neola and Raven in Norwood Park.
- Free
First Lady St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise
- Hop aboard for a two-hour ride along the green river, complete with a corned beef sandwich and live bagpipe performance.
- Two-hour rides starting at 10am Saturday.
- Tickets start at $140.
🍻 Drinking and eating
- Bar hop and celebrate on the lakefront, from Margaritaville to Offshore Rooftop, with drink specials and entertainment.
- 8am-7pm Saturday at Navy Pier.
- Tickets start at $20.
- Skip the crowd for an elevated view to watch the water turn emerald. There will also be an Irish-inspired buffet, themed cocktails and a live DJ.
- 8:30am-noon at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown off the Riverwalk.
- Tickets start at $275.
- Dine in for bottomless brunch, music, and green beer.
- Saturday and Sunday at the Fairmont Chicago in Lakeshore East.
- Make a reservation.
- Sip tropical cocktails with an Irish twist, like the Jameson Mai Tai ($18).
- Friday-Tuesday at Three Dots and a Dash in River North.
- Sip one of Ireland's most famous exports while enjoying local bands, photo ops and giveaways!
- Friday-Tuesday at Guinness Brewery in the West Loop.
- Tickets start at $10.