Eight Things To Do in the City and Western Suburbs: Mar. 6 to Mar. 8, 2026

Spring is just around the corner, and so are plenty of fun happenings to enjoy close to home. Discover what's blooming near you at one of these weekend events. 

Celebrate 30 years of Irish pride at the Forest Park St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Kicking off at 1 p.m. in downtown Forest Park, this beloved western suburbs tradition features more than 65 entries, including bagpipers, Irish dancers, the Proviso East Marching Band, Medinah Shriner parade units, local businesses, and area police and fire departments. The parade steps off at Madison and Van Buren, traveling east on Madison to Elgin.

Date: Mar. 7
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Forest Park
More Info: exploreforestpark.com

Celebrate Irish cheer at the Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Don't miss the Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade in Elmhurst — one of Chicagoland's favorite St. Patrick's Day traditions! This family-friendly event features over 80 floats, marching units, Irish dancers, and crowd favorites like the Shannon Rovers and the Chicago Highlanders. Look for appearances by Benny the Bull, Southpaw, Tommy Hawk, and performances by the York High School Marching Band. 

Date: Mar. 7
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Wilson Street and Spring Road in Elmhurst
More Info: elmhurststpatsparade.com 

Oscar-Nominated Short Film Screening Day.

Catch up on all of the Oscar-nominated short films with the Aurora Film Society before the Academy Awards next weekend. While blockbuster films often steal the spotlight, this special screening shines a well-deserved light on short-form cinema from filmmakers all over the world. The three different screening sessions are divided into animated, live-action, and documentary categories. Go to a single screening for $12 or all three for $30.  

Date: Mar. 8
Time: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Cost: $12+
Location: The Venue Aurora
More Info: eventbrite.com 

Discover a new favorite at North Side Restaurant Week.
Hosted by five local business groups, North Side Restaurant Week features restaurants across Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Albany Park, Edgewater, Irving Park, North Center, North Park, and Rogers Park. Offerings include special prix-fixe menus from a variety of cuisines, showcasing the world of flavors to discover on Chicago's north side.  

Date: Feb. 26–Mar. 8
Time: Various times
Cost: Various costs
Location: Various locations
More Info: northsiderestaurantweek.org 

Celebrate Irish culture at Forever Green.
Forever Green — an annual event hosted by the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago — is Chicago's longest-running St. Patrick's Day party. For 51 years, the club has been putting together this event to kick off the St. Patrick's Day season. Ticket costs cover admission, an open bar, and food, and the event features live music, a DJ, raffles, and more. Proceeds go to the club's charity partners, Pat Mac's Pack and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.   

Date: Mar. 6
Time: 7:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
Cost: $90
Location: Theater on the Lake
More Info: youngirish.com 

Get Colorful at Holi.
Join Kalapriya — a Chicago-based South Asian arts and culture organization — for Holi 2026. Holi, the vibrant spring festival celebrated across North India, is best known for the tossing of brightly colored powder and water. Experience this tradition firsthand, learn about the festival's rich history, savor delicious Indian appetizers, and dance the day away in a celebration of community and color. 

Date: Mar. 7
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $5–$15
Location: Chicago Women's Park & Gardens
More Info: kalapriya.org 

Shop small at Chicago Artisan Market.
Chicago Artisan Market returns to Morgan MFG in the Fulton Market District for a flagship Sunday Market. More than 200 creators will display handmade goods, from home décor and jewelry to fashion and art, across two floors, with café seating, plated food, and a bar serving wine, beer, and cocktails. It's a fun way to shop small, with plenty of space to find unique gifts and connect with local makers. Plus, kids under 12 get in free.

Date: Mar. 8
Time: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cost: $8+
Location: Morgan MFG
More Info: chicagoartisanmarket.com 

Bring your binoculars to Birding: Waterfowl Watching at Northerly Island.
Discover waterfowl season from late fall through spring with a guided walk around Northerly Island and Burnham Harbor. Open to all experience levels, this outing includes tips on species identification, key viewing spots, and time to connect with fellow birders. Binoculars and bird guides are available for registered participants.

Date: Mar. 7
Time: 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Northerly Island Park
More Info: chicagoparkdistrict.com