Things to Do in Chicago in March: Events, Festivals & Spring Activities
Festivals, Parades, and Early Spring Activities Happening Across The City
March is when Chicago begins to shift out of winter. Temperatures slowly climb, outdoor events return, and the city calendar starts filling up again. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations take over downtown, cultural festivals bring color back to public spaces, and indoor attractions remain busy while spring settles in.
If you’re searching for things to do in Chicago in March, you’ll find a mix of major annual traditions and smaller events happening throughout the month. From the famous green river dyeing to art fairs, festivals, and neighborhood celebrations, here are some of the most notable Chicago things to do in March.
See the Chicago River Turn Green
One of the most recognizable traditions in the city happens every March when the Chicago River is dyed bright green. The tradition dates back to the early 1960s and remains one of the most photographed moments of the year.
The dyeing usually takes place the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. Crews from the Chicago Plumbers Union release a vegetable-based dye into the river, transforming it into a vivid emerald color within minutes. Thousands of spectators gather along the riverwalk and bridges to watch the transformation.
Popular viewing spots include:
- Michigan Avenue Bridge
- Columbus Drive Bridge
- Chicago Riverwalk between State Street and Columbus
Arriving early is important since crowds begin forming well before the ceremony begins. For many visitors, watching the river dyeing is the highlight of this time of year.
Attend the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Shortly after the river dyeing, the city continues the celebration with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The downtown parade traditionally begins around noon and runs along Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe. Floats, marching bands, Irish dance groups, bagpipers, and community organizations fill the route while spectators line the street wearing green.
Several additional neighborhood parades take place across the city during the same weekend, including:
- Northwest Side Irish Parade
- Archer Avenue Parade
- South Side Irish Parade
These events attract large crowds and give visitors a chance to experience Chicago’s deep Irish heritage. The combination of the river dyeing, parade, and citywide celebrations makes this weekend one of the most popular things to do each year.
Celebrate Holi at Navy Pier
March also brings colorful cultural celebrations to the city. One of the most vibrant events is the Holi festival hosted at Navy Pier.
Holi, often called the Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil in Hindu tradition. During the festival, participants throw brightly colored powders into the air and across the crowd, creating an explosion of color throughout the space.
Chicago’s Holi celebration typically takes place in the Navy Pier Beer Garden and is open to the public. Visitors can expect:
- Live music and DJs
- Food vendors
- Dance performances
- Color powder celebrations throughout the day
The event has grown into one of the most visually unique events, drawing both locals and visitors looking for a high-energy outdoor festival as the weather begins warming up.
Experience Chicagohenge
Later in the month, Chicago’s grid system creates a rare natural phenomenon known as Chicagohenge.
During the spring equinox, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city’s east-west streets. When conditions are right, sunlight streams down the corridors of buildings, creating dramatic views across downtown streets.
Photographers and architecture fans often gather along streets like Madison, Randolph, and Adams to capture the moment. The event only happens twice each year, once in the spring and again in the fall.
For anyone interested in urban photography or city planning, Chicagohenge is one of the more unusual Chicago springtime events.
Visit The Other Art Fair
Chicago’s art scene also ramps up in March with events like The Other Art Fair. Held at Artifact Events in Ravenswood, the fair focuses on emerging and independent artists from around the world.
Unlike traditional galleries, the event encourages visitors to interact directly with artists while exploring installations, live demonstrations, and rotating exhibitions. Over one hundred artists typically participate, presenting work that ranges from painting and sculpture to glass and metal design.
In addition to art displays, the event often includes:
- DJ sets and live music
- Interactive installations
- Food trucks and bars
- Artist talks and workshops
For visitors looking for something beyond the usual tourist attractions, the fair offers a more creative option.
Attend Bingo Loco’s Party Events
For nightlife and entertainment, March also brings events like Bingo Loco to Chicago. The concept mixes traditional bingo with a party atmosphere, combining DJs, dancing, confetti drops, and large prizes.
Instead of a typical bingo hall experience, the event feels more like a concert or nightclub. Hosts run games while music plays and performers lead crowd interactions throughout the night.
These themed events usually appear several times during the month, offering a different option for groups searching for fun social events.
Explore New Attractions at Navy Pier
Navy Pier continues to expand its lineup of experiences, including attractions like FlyOver Chicago. The immersive ride places guests in motion seats surrounded by a massive spherical screen that simulates flying over landscapes and cities.
Using aerial footage and motion technology, the experience gives visitors a virtual flight through destinations around the world. The attraction opened recently and quickly became one of the newest entertainment options along the lakefront.
For visitors exploring the pier during March, FlyOver adds another indoor activity alongside restaurants, shops, and lakefront views.
Take Advantage of Free Museum Days
Chicago’s major museums often offer special admission days during late winter and early spring. March is a good time to take advantage of those opportunities.
For example, the Field Museum has introduced regular free admission Wednesdays for Chicago residents. Visitors can explore exhibits like Sue the T. rex, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and natural history collections without paying the normal ticket price.
The Shedd Aquarium also runs evening free admission periods for Illinois residents during parts of the spring season. These programs make it easier to visit two of the city’s most popular attractions while avoiding peak summer crowds.
If you’re planning indoor activities while the weather transitions into spring, museum visits remain one of the easiest activities out there.
Celebrate Women’s History Month
March is also Women’s History Month, and Chicago hosts a number of events tied to International Women’s Day.
One of the largest is the Chicago Women’s March, which brings thousands of participants downtown for a rally and march advocating gender equality. Speakers, community groups, and advocacy organizations gather to highlight issues affecting women locally and globally.
Throughout the month, additional events appear across the city, including markets featuring women-owned businesses, panel discussions, and community gatherings.
Seasonal Events and Festivals Around the City
Beyond the major festivals and celebrations, March also includes a range of smaller events across Chicago neighborhoods. Many of these are listed on community event calendars and include everything from food festivals to themed parties.
Examples include:
- Mardi Gras celebrations with music and Cajun food
- Wine tasting festivals such as Uncorked Chicago
- Pop-up themed events and trivia nights
- Special restaurant promotions and seasonal menus
These smaller events help fill the calendar throughout the month and give visitors additional options beyond the larger festivals.
Plan Your March Visit to Chicago
March sits right at the transition between winter and spring in Chicago. Snow is still possible, but longer days and warming temperatures bring more events back to the city.
Between the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Holi festival, art fairs, museum programs, and seasonal attractions, there is no shortage of things to do in Chicago in March.
For visitors planning a trip, the key dates to watch are the St. Patrick’s Day weekend events and the spring equinox later in the month. Booking accommodations early and checking event schedules ahead of time will help make the most of your visit.