From eccentric parades through to a kayak paddle through the famously emerald waters, here’s how to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Chicago for 2025
St Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a celebration like no other. With a wealth of Irish heritage in the city, Chicago is home to some of the biggest St Patrick’s Day activities outside of Ireland. Most iconic of all is Chicago’s river dyeing, with the emerald green river snaking through the city for the day – making for an unforgettable experience.
For those travelling to the city this March, The Wordobe shares a selection of the very best St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Watch this: the Chicago River annual dyeing
Chicago’s iconic river will be transferred to a vibrant emerald green for St Patrick’s Day. This tradition, which started in 1962, seesthe Plumbers Union use environmentally friendly dye distributed from boats to change the river’s colour with a top secret, environmentally friendly dye. Chicago’s bridges including the DuSable Bridge and Michigan Bridge provide the perfect viewing platform, and visitors should be ready to snap a picture of this marvel, as the dye lasts only a few hours.
The Chicago River dyeing will take place on Saturday 15th March at 10am
Go here: ‘Shamrockin’ at the Pier Pub Crawl
Enjoy the inaugural Shamrockin’ at the Pier Pub Crawl along Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier this St Patrick’s Day. Designated bars will roll out the green carpet for visitors to enjoy the ultimate celebration along the Pier. Expect drink specials and live music at institutions such as Margaritaville and Harry Caray’s, as well as themed games and more. Party-goers can arrive in style, with Big Bus and Shoreline offering transportation to the pier.
Shamrockin’ at the Pier Pub Crawl tickets are priced from £23pp. For more information and to book, please visit runsignup.com
Do this: Urban Kayaks St Paddy’s Day Paddle
Get right in the thick of the celebrations with a guided kayaking tour along the Chicago River – right after it’s turned green. Paddle through the emerald waters as crowds line the streets and River Walk, hearing from a knowledgeable guide all about the rich history and architecture of the city.
After the front row ticket to the celebration, paddlers can head over to the Party at Tacorio to keep the festivities going, with tickets including two drink vouchers and a food voucher to help enjoy the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Urban Kayaks offers the St Paddy’s Day package priced from £58pp, including 1.5 hour tour, access to Party at Tacorio, and food and drink vouchers. For more information, please visit urbankayaks.com
Drink up: 5 Days of St Patrick’s Day, The Dearborn Tavern
Owned by Irish sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless, The Dearborn Tavern is bringing a taste of Ireland to Chicago for St Patrick’s Day. Available for a whole week, visitors can raise a pint and enjoy Irish fare, celebrations, and live music from The Chancers at the restaurant and bar. Limited edition menu items will include Irish favourites such as Shepard’s Pie and Irish Whiskey cocktails.
The Dearborn Tavern is offering the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations from 13th – 17th March. For more information and to book, please visit thedearborntavern.com
Watch this: The Chicago Downtown St Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country and starts right after the river dyeing. Head over to Grant Park to watch bagpipers and dancers perform as they make their way north for the procession.
There will also be a range of colourful floats waving their Irish flags, troops of Irish dancers, marching bands, and more during the three hour celebration.
The Chicago St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday 15th March at 12:15pm. For more information please visit chicagostpatricksdayparade.org
Book this: St. Patrick’s Day Clover Cruise with Chicago’s First Lady
Join in with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Clover Cruise this March and witness the river dyeing aboard Chicago’s First Lady. Guests can board in style as they enjoy a bagpipe performance upon departure, before enjoying a two hour cruise through the emerald waters. Cruisers on board will receive speciality Irish cocktails, green beers, and a special corned beef sandwich box to enjoy.
Chicago’s First Lady offers the St Patrick’s Day Clover Cruise prices from £126pp. For more information and to book, please visit firstlady.com
Let loose here: Charm’d Wrigleyville
Chicago’s first Irish pop up experience, Charm’d Wrigleyville will be transformed with over the top, wall to wall decor to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Filled with photo opportunities and fun festivities, Charm’d offers a fun spot to enjoy the celebrations.
For those 21 and over, the limited edition menu includes drinks such as the ‘Shamrock’d’ and the ‘Pot O Gold’. Guests will be encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a full day of fun.
HOW: Charm’d Wrigleyville offers tickets priced from £7pp. For more information and to book, please visit charmdbar.com
Celebrate here: South Side Irish Parade
In its 47th year, the South Side Irish Parade is a family friendly and home grown celebration of Irish heritage across the city. Bagpipers, marching bands, and local community groups will adorn the streets of Beverly during the largest community parade outside of Ireland. Having started as a parade of just 17 people back in the 1970s, this parade has grown in popularity over the years and is a true show of passion and heritage in the city.
HOW: The South Side Irish Parade will take place on Sunday 16th March at 12pm. For more information please visit southsideirishparade.org
For more information on Chicago and to start the adventure, please visit choosechicago.com
Take three: places to stay
1 The St. Regis Chicago
Opened in 2023, The St. Regis Chicago is a striking addition to the city’s skyline. Designed by Jeanne Gang, the 101-story tower is the tallest building in the world created by a female architect, blending innovative design with a sense of history. With 2025 marking the 140th anniversary of the world’s first skyscraper, built in Chicago in 1885, this hotel is a fitting tribute to the city’s architectural legacy. Set along the Chicago River, The St. Regis is perfectly positioned for guests to experience the best of the city. From cultural landmarks and world-class museums to acclaimed restaurants and luxury shopping, everything is within easy reach. To find out more and to book, please visit: marriott.com.
2 Riu Plaza Chicago
Ideal for fans of a sky high stay, RIU Hotels & Resorts has reached yet another milestone in its international expansion with the opening of the Riu Plaza Chicago. The new four-star establishment with 390 rooms is strategically located in the heart of Chicago’s world-famous Magnificent Mile shopping district. Ideal for something special, it serves up dreamy panoramic views of the city from the 27th floor of the building in the hotel’s bar, The Rooftop. Find out more and make a booking via riu.com
3 Nobu Chicago
Ideally situated in the vibrant area of Chicago’s West Loop, on the corner of West Randolph and North Peoria – one of Chicago’s fastest growing neighbourhoods and home to the famed ‘Restaurant Row’ – the Nobu Hotel Chicago brings a one-of-a-kind experience to the city including the signature Nobu Restaurant and a Rooftop Bar, delivering the famed Nobu experience with a remarkable view. Nobu Hotel Chicago is brought to life through the architecture of the building, blending elements of old -world Japanese art and new world utilitarian with a sense of accessible sophistication. The 115 guest rooms and suites feature everything you would expect at a Nobu Hotel including Nespresso machines and traditional Japanese tea service, exclusive Nobu beds, in-room dining from the Noburestaurant, private bar, yoga mats and a butler service upon request. Now that’s our kind of pillow talk. nobuhotels.com/chicago/
