Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

Irish man playing Uilleann pipes in a lively St. Patrick's Day parade, dressed in traditional attire and surrounded by festive crowds.

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is nothing short of legendary. With a city known for its deep Irish heritage and community pride, St Patrick’s Day Chicago celebrations rank among the most exciting in the world. Whether you’re looking for festive parades, authentic Irish food and drinks, or scenic tours along the iconic Chicago River, there are endless ways to celebrate in 2025. Below is your guide to the best St Patrick’s Day Chicago events and activities to help you plan an unforgettable holiday.

Witness the Iconic Chicago River Dyeing

One of the most unique traditions of St Patrick’s Day Chicago is the dyeing of the Chicago River. Every year, the river is transformed into a vivid shade of emerald green, creating a spectacular scene that draws thousands of spectators. This event typically takes place on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day and can be viewed from various bridges and waterfront locations.

For the best views of the river dyeing, consider booking a river tour. Many companies offer special St. Patrick’s Day cruises that provide a front-row seat to the transformation. A river cruise also allows you to experience the beauty of the skyline while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Featured St. Patrick’s Day Events

River North St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (Saturday, March 15, 8 AM – 12 PM)
Kick off the holiday just steps from the iconic green river and parade. Enjoy drinks with friends, live entertainment featuring bagpipers and stilt walkers, and the full festive atmosphere of downtown Chicago.
Wrigleyville St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (Saturday, March 15, 8 AM – 4 PM)
Throw on your best green outfit and join the biggest St. Patrick’s Day party in Wrigleyville. With access to multiple bars, drink specials, breakfast buffets, giveaways, and an official crawl t-shirt, this is the ultimate way to celebrate all day long.
St. Paddy’s Day at 101 Club (Saturday, March 15, 12 PM – 4 PM)
Celebrate in style at this exclusive rooftop party on the 20th floor, overlooking the Magnificent Mile. Enjoy skyline views, a lively atmosphere, and a prime location near the famous green Chicago River.

For even more St. Patrick’s Day Chicago events, check out the full lineup at PaddyHard.com.

Attend the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the city’s most beloved annual events. Featuring colorful floats, bagpipers, Irish dancers, and community groups, this parade captures the spirit of the holiday. It typically takes place in Grant Park, starting at Balbo and Columbus Drive before winding through downtown Chicago.

Arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot and soak in the festive energy. If you’re looking for a different perspective, consider enjoying the parade from a nearby rooftop or waterfront location. For those planning a day packed with activities, pairing the parade with a boat tour along the river is a great way to balance sightseeing with celebration.

Explore Chicago’s Irish Pubs

No St Patrick’s Day Chicago 2025 celebration would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s iconic Irish pubs. Many pubs offer special menus and live music throughout the holiday weekend, creating the perfect setting for a festive gathering.

Some top spots to consider include:

Chief O’Neill’s: A must-visit for its traditional Irish breakfast and live music.
Fado Irish Pub: Located in River North, this pub features an extensive drink menu and festive décor.

Make sure to check each venue’s schedule for live performances or special events during the weekend.

Enjoy Irish-Inspired Dining

For those who prefer dining over pub-hopping, Chicago’s restaurant scene is rich with Irish-inspired menus and themed dining experiences. Many establishments offer prix-fixe menus featuring dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Guinness-infused desserts.

Some noteworthy restaurants to consider:

The Dearborn: A stylish spot offering seasonal specials for the holiday.
The Kerryman: Located in River North, it’s an ideal location for those looking to indulge in Irish comfort food..

For those who want to elevate their experience, some restaurants also offer food and drink pairing events or whiskey tastings.

Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations aren’t just for adults. Families can enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities and events around the city:

Cultural Workshops: Many local community centers and museums host educational events that explore Irish heritage, music, and dance.
Children’s Parades: Smaller, family-focused parades often take place in local neighborhoods like Beverly or South Side.
Irish Dance Performances: Check out local schools of Irish dance for live performances throughout the city.

These events provide a great opportunity for families to celebrate together while learning about Irish culture and traditions.

Take a Scenic St. Patrick’s Day Cruise

For a romantic or relaxing way to experience the festivities, consider booking a St. Patrick’s Day-themed cruise. Tours like those offered by Tours & Boats often include themed drinks, live music, and breathtaking views of the skyline and river. This is a perfect option for couples or groups looking for a more intimate celebration.

Visit Chicago Landmarks Lit Up for St. Patrick’s Day

During St Patrick’s Day Chicago events, many of the city’s landmarks and buildings are illuminated in shades of green. The Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and John Hancock Center are just a few of the iconic sites that often participate in the holiday festivities. Millennium Park and the Bean are also popular spots for photos and selfies with festive backdrops.

Taking an evening stroll through downtown Chicago allows you to fully appreciate the city’s holiday spirit.

Join Local Neighborhood Celebrations

While downtown Chicago is the epicenter of St. Patrick’s Day activities, many neighborhoods also host their own celebrations. The South Side Irish Parade, for instance, is another popular event that showcases local pride and community spirit.

Neighborhood events often include:

Food fairs with traditional Irish dishes.
Craft markets featuring Irish-inspired goods.
Pop-up performances from local musicians and dancers.

These smaller-scale events offer a more intimate and authentic way to celebrate the holiday.

Plan Your St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in Chicago

St. Patrick’s Day Chicago 2025 promises to be a celebration like no other. With a wide range of events and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – from lively parades and scenic cruises to traditional Irish food and family-friendly fun.

If you’re looking to elevate your experience, consider booking a tour with Tours & Boats. With a range of tours available for St. Paddy’s Day and other cultural and significant events throughout the year, there’s no better way to see the city and experience it from such a unique perspective. Perfect for first-time visitors or a seasoned Chicagoan, a river or lake tour can provide a memorable way to celebrate the holiday.

Make your plans early, embrace the festive spirit, and enjoy all that St Patrick’s Day Chicago has to offer in 2025. Sláinte!