Editor’s note: The video in the player above is from the dyeing of the Chicago River in 2025.
Home to one of the largest Irish-American populations in the United States, Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are among the nation’s most popular and are eagerly expected by both longtime Chicagoans and visitors alike.
In fact, the city’s South Side Irish Parade is the largest community-based St. Patrick’s Day Parade outside of Dublin, Ireland.
While the parade gets underway on Sunday, March 15, the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off a day earlier with one of the city’s beloved traditions: the dyeing of the Chicago River.
WATCH: Behind the Scenes: Creating Chicago’s Iconic Green River Dye
During the river dyeing, the waters green as members of the Chicago Plumbers Union – situated in boats – use a concoction that sprays dye out of plumping pipes and spout pumps.
The mysterious mixture actually comes out orange, but the color changes to green once the dye sets in.
Anyone wanting to see the process in action will want to venture outdoors early. While the river dye typically gets underway away at around 10 a.m., the process typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and the amount of time can depend on conditions.
The impeccable brilliant green only lasts for a few hours, with Choose Chicago explaining the water will retain a shade of green after the initial dyeing, but it will slowly fade over time.
While the river dyeing kicks off a full slate of events – and one of the most popular – it’s just one part of a packed itinerary.
Here are other celebrations planned across the city:
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Also on Saturday, March 14, is the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an iconic part of the city’s Irish history.
Spectators will watch with excitement as bagpipers, dancers, green floats and more head down Columbus Drive. The theme of this year’s parade is Faith, Peace and Unity.
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South Side Irish Parade
A family-friendly tradition for more than 40 years and counting, the South Side Irish Parade will take place on Sunday, March 15.
As in past years, it will begin at noon from West 103rd Street and Western Avenue in Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.
Northwest Side
Festivities also stretch to other parts of the city.
The Northwest Irish Parade, billed as a celebration of faith, family and heritage, also steps off at noon on Sunday.
The route begins at North Neola Avenue and West Raven Street then proceeds along North Northwest Highway before ending at Harlem Avenue.
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