St. Patrick's Day Celebrations and Parades Around Chicagoland

Few cities embrace St. Patrick's Day with the pride and fervor that Chicago does. Chicago's St. Patrick's Day traditions go back more than 180 years to the first Chicago Irish parade in 1843. This year, our real estate agents are here to be your guides to Chicagoland's St. Patrick's Day festivities.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicagoland

From parties and parades to bar crawls and the iconic Chicago River Dyeing, there's a lot to do around the Chicago area this time of year. These are some of the most exciting St. Patrick's Day events in Chicagoland's unique neighborhoods.

Chicago River Dyeing - Chicago, IL

Address: Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601

As has become tradition, the Chicago River will be transformed into a brilliant shade of emerald green for St. Patrick's Day. The 2026 Chicago River Dyeing starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, with prime viewing along Wacker Drive and the DuSable Bridge, which carries Michigan Avenue across the river. Chicago River boat tours also offer a very popular way to see the green-tinted waters up close (reservations are highly recommended). 

Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade - Chicago, IL

Address: S. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60603

Soon after the Chicago River Dyeing, the annual Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade gets underway. Starting near Balbo and Columbus, the parade features numerous festive floats and performers, including the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, which has led the procession since 1956. Entry to the parade route begins at 11 a.m., and the parade starts at 12:30.

Shamrockin' at Old St. Pat's - Chicago, IL

Address: 625 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, often referred to as Old St. Pat's Church, has been described as the cornerstone of Irish culture in Chicago. Every year, this venerable church in the West Loop hosts Shamrockin' at Old St. Pat's, a lively day of live Irish music, dancing, food, drink, and activities for all ages on St. Patrick's Day. Shamrockin' 2026 takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. 

West Suburban Irish Parade - Naperville, IL

Address: 899 N. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60563

The western suburb of Naperville, IL, holds its own St. Patrick's Day celebration every year, with the 33rd annual West Suburban Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade taking place in downtown Naperville on Saturday, March 14, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. The parade starts at Mill Street and Ogden Avenue, offering one of the best opportunities in the suburbs to celebrate Irish traditions and community.

Chicago Shamrock Crawl - Chicago, IL

Address: Various Locations Around Clark Street

There are many bar crawls to choose from throughout Chicagoland on St. Patrick's Day weekend, and the Chicago Shamrock Crawl is a perennial favorite. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the bar crawl takes place in the hopping Wrigleyville neighborhood, where more than 30 participating bars on and around Clark Street will be offering drink specials. 

South Side Irish Parade - Chicago, IL

Address: S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60643

The day after St Patrick's Day, the South Side Irish Parade takes place in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. Proceeding along Western Avenue through the heart of one of the largest Irish-American communities in Chicagoland, the parade features more than 100 floats, bands, and other entrants, and the neighborhood transforms into one big party starting at noon on March 15. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Chicagoland. Our real estate agents are here to help find your dream home, from the South Side to the North Shore.