Looking for something fun to do in Chicago for St. Patrick's Day? The city offers plenty of events and activities that will get you in the Irish spirit, from parades and pub crawls to festivals and parties. Whether you're Irish or just a big supporter of St. Patrick's Day, there are ways for everyone to participate in the festivities all March long. So get your green on and check out our top suggestions for a one-of-a-kind St. Patrick's Day in Chicago!

 

11 Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

Charm'd Bar: The Magical Irish Pop-Up

Grab a pint at this over-the-top St. Paddy's pop-up bar, complete with leprechauns, shamrocks, glowing green lights, and a rainbow archway! Your ticket includes one charm'd specialty drink, a themed shot, and guaranteed entry into the festive pop-up. Open through March 29, this spot is perfect for celebrations, parties, or just adding a little extra ~charm~ to your night out with friends. Sláinte!

Where: 3505 Clark St, Chicago, IL
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The Dyeing of the Chicago River

In Chicago, dyeing the river green is a cherished tradition that signals the start of St. Patrick's Day festivities. This tradition was started in 1962, and every year members of the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 gather to dump gallons of green dye into the Chicago River, transforming it into a vibrant shade of emerald. This year, the river dyeing will take place on Saturday, March 11!

Where: The best spots to view the dyeing are from Upper and Lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
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Luck'd Up St. Patrick's Day Party

Get luck'd up at this St. Paddy's Day Party at Electric Garden, featuring tons of festive green decor, lots of green beer, and of course, tons of luck! Enjoy unlimited green beer and green seltzer for three hours, plus treat yourself to the delicious St. Patrick's Day brunch buffet!

Where: Electric Garden: 324 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL
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The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Every year, on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, Chicago hosts a massive parade celebrating the city’s rich Irish culture and heritage. The parade is one of Chicago's longest-running traditions, starting over 175 years ago in 1843. Featuring bagpipe bands, colorful floats, and of course, lots of Irish dancers, this St. Paddy's Day event is one you won't want to miss. Whether you're Irish or not, be sure to come out and join the fun. The parade will begin promptly at 12:30 pm on March 11!

Where: The parade starts at the intersection of Balbo and Columbus and will proceed north on Columbus Drive to Monroe Street. The viewing stand is located in front of Buckingham Fountain.
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St. Paddy's Kegs & Eggs at Millennium Hall

Fuel up for a weekend of festivities with a delicious St. Paddy's Day brunch at Millenium Hall. Enjoy a full breakfast buffet along with beer, mixed drinks, and a full bloody mary bar from 10 am–1 pm.

Where: Millennium Hall: 11 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
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Charmed St. Patrick's Day Crawl

Everyone is Irish, at least for a day, during the Charmed St Patrick's Day Crawl in Chicago! This St. Paddy's Day Crawl includes top bars in River North like Liqrbox, Blüm Restaurant & Bar, Headquarters, FAME Nightclub, and more. Hundreds of partygoers from all over Chicago will be attending this club crawl. Only the strong will survive the 10-hour green-infused adventure!

Where: Check-in locations at Blüm Restaurant & Bar: 316 W Erie St, Chicago, IL and Liqrbox: 873 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL
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Kiss Me, I'm Irish St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl

Gather your green gang and get ready to party your way through some of Chicago's best bars on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Grab a wristband at Hubbard Inn and enjoy drink specials at some of Chicago's best bars like Clark Street Ale House, El Hefe, Hopsmith, Spin, and Woodies Flat.

Where: Check-in is at Hubbard Inn: 110 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL
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Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

Feel like you should get a little exercise after spending several days eating, drinking, and celebrating? The annual Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is for you! This yearly event offers an 8K option for more ambitious shufflers or a 2-mile walk along the lakefront if you prefer to keep it on the more accessible side. This year’s race is scheduled for Saturday, March 26.

Where: The race begins at Grant Park at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Monroe Street.
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River North St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl

Get ready to raise a pint to the luck of the Irish at a St. Patrick's Day River North Bar Crawl! Hit up some of the best bars in the area, including Joy District, Hubbard Inn, Bodega, and more! Your ticket gets you exclusive drink deals and free admission to all venues. Be sure to wear your best green attire and get ready for a night of fun with a pint of Guinness or your favorite Irish whiskey.

Where: Multiple locations.
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Irish American Heritage Center St. Patrick’s Festival

Learn about the history of St. Patrick’s Day while you celebrate at this annual festival hosted by Chicago’s Irish American Heritage Center on March 12. The festival begins following the parade downtown and features traditional and contemporary Irish music and dance performances, traditional Irish food and drink, children’s activities, and even an Arts and Craft Fair, with vendors selling Irish gifts.

Where: 4626 N Knox Ave. Chicago, IL 60630 United States
More information.  

 

St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms Bar Crawl

Get lucky at this epic bar crawl series that takes place across four Chicago neighborhoods so you never have to go far to join in on the celebrations. Take an adventure around the green river and the city, looking for drinks, treasure, and of course, luck! Enjoy drink specials, no cover, and express entry at over five Chicago bars, plus prizes and giveaways along the route!  Tickets include a Lucky Charms T-Shirt while supplies last, along with St. Paddy's Day sunglasses, beads, and swag.

Where:
Lincoln Park: SOLD OUT
Wrigleyville: Check in at The Butchers Tap: 3553 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL
Wicker Park: Check in at Chop Shop: 2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL
River North: Check in at Ace Bounce: 230 N Clark St, Chicago, IL