6 St. Patrick's Day Events Happening Around Chicagoland This Weekend: What To Know

CHICAGO — The biggest celebration of the year happens St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Chicago, with parades, concerts and traditional dying of the Chicago River. If you’re planning on going to one of these events, CTA and Metra are the best and most affordable way to get there.

Revelers can save money by purchasing an unlimited ride pass this weekend, either the 1-Day for $5 – which is far more economical than the price of gas and parking – or a 3-day pass for $15.

Saturday, March 15

St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing

When: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
It takes about 45 minutes for the river to turn entirely green. Best views from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks, according to the leprechauns at Plumbers Local 130.

Businesses on the Riverwalk will not open on parade day. All stair wells leading to the lower riverwalk will be closed per the City of Chicago.

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Starting at 11 a.m., spectators can only access the parade route via Jackson Boulevard and Ida B. Wells Drive. All bags and purses will be checked at these entrances. Leave coolers, alcoholic beverages and water bottles at home. VIP grandstanding is sold out, according to Eventbrite.
Start Time: Parade stops off at noon
Where: The corner of Columbus and Balbo drives and heading north on Columbus about a half-mile to Monroe Street.
Rail: All rail lines to downtown will provide access to the parade and river dying area.
Bus: Several routes in the area may be rerouted. For additional route information, check CTA Transit Chicago Schedules.

Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Start Time: Noon
Where: Archer Avenue, Oak Park to Narragansett through Garfield Ridge
What: Sponsored by Chicago Working Families and IUOE Local 150, this family parade features floats, churches, youth sports teams, scouts, businesses, community groups and labor organizations.
Bus: Several routes in the area may be rerouted. For additional route information, check CTA Transit Chicago Schedules.
Know Before You Go: Archer Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade Dedicated To Fallen CPD And CFD

West Suburban Irish Parade (Naperville)
Start Time: 10 a.m.
Where: Steps from the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Mill Street at Naperville North High School, heading south on Mill to Jefferson (left turn), east on Jefferson Avenue through downtown to Main Street (right turn), south on Main to Porter Avenue (right turn), west on Porter and ending on the Naperville Central High School parking lot.
Know before you go: West Suburban Irish Parade Set For March 15 In Naperville

Sunday, March 16

South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Start Time: Noon
Where: Western Avenue, 103rd Street to 115th Street
Bus: Several routes in the area may be rerouted. For additional route information check CTA Transit Chicago Schedules.
Rail: Metra’s Rock Island Line 103rd Street/Beverly Hills and 111th Street/Morgan Park stations are within walking distance of the parade route down Western Avenue. Details about train service are available on Metra.
Know Before You Go: Your 2025 South Side Irish Parade Survival Guide

Chicago Gaelic Park St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Start Time: Noon to 10:30 p.m.
Where: 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest
What: Entertainment in each room for the whole family to enjoy and a visit from Doonarree Pipe Band. Food available for purchase and a cash bar. Live Irish music all day and evening in the Carraig, Emerald and Tara rooms. Children’s activities from noon to 6 p.m.
Tickets: Grab your tickets online ahead of time at a discounted price. Adults $10, $5 admission for children 12 and under, free for kids 3 and under, or, adults $15 at the door.
March with Chicago Gaelic Park in the South Side Irish Parade (March 16). Email officecgp@chicagogaelicpark.org

Friends and Family Northwest Side Irish Parade
Start Time: Noon
Where: Starts from Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven Ave., and will run south up Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway north to Harlem Avenue, ending at Harlem Avenue.
Highlights: Grand Marshal David G. Donovan will lead over 100 participants featuring the Emerald Society Band, Chicago Pipes and Drums, Mullane Irish Dancers, Trinity Irish Dancers, St. Patrick’s High School, Notre Dame High School Band, William Howard Taft High School Band, O’Hare Irish Dancer, Dillon Gavin Irish Dancers, Teamsters JC 25, Sheet Metal Workers Local 73, IBEW Local 134, SEIU Local 73, CTA, Regina High School, Chicago Pipes and Drums, and many more.
Bus: Several routes in the area may be rerouted. For additional route information, check CTA Transit Chicago Schedules.

Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade
When: 1 p.m.
Where: The procession will start at Plainfield Central High School, 15732 Howard St., Plainfield,and make its way through the downtown area, traversing Commercial, Illinois, Lockport and James streets.
Know Before You Go: Hometown Irish Parade Is Coming Up: Grand Marshal Announced, Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade Will Be Largest In Event History