St. Paddy’s In Chicago…
If you’re going to do St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, do it right. Only second to Ireland, Chicago goes ALL OUT for St. Paddy’s day and if you haven’t experienced it yet, add it to the bucket list!
This is not a “wear green to brunch” situation. This is a full city celebration where the river turns neon green, the bagpipes start before 10am, and day drinking becomes a civic activity.
Here’s exactly how to plan your Chicago St. Patrick’s day itinerary.
Friday: Arrive + Irish Pub Circuit
Shop a similar green flannel shacket to mine here
Friday night is about classic Irish pub energy. Skip the fancy reservations, this weekend is about atmosphere.
Make your way to:
- Butch McGuire’s – A Chicago St. Patrick’s Day institution, fully decorated and always packed.
- The Kerryman – Lively crowd and strong drinks.
- Fado Irish Pub – Great spot to start or end the night.
Order a Guinness. Do a Jameson shot. Lean in.
Dinner can be casual, burgers, fish & chips, or late night pizza nearby. The goal Friday is to have fun but pace yourself. Saturday is the real event. If you want something a little nicer, check out this Chicago post for my top restaurant recs.
Saturday: River Dyeing + Parade + Bar Crawl
Shop similar finds: Green Overalls | Long Sleeve | Irish Goodbye Hat | Sneakers
Saturday is an early start.
The Chicago River Dyeing typically begins in the morning (around 10 am), so plan to arrive early for a good viewing spot along Michigan Avenue bridges or the Riverwalk. It’s one of the most iconic Chicago traditions. Boats move through the water and within minutes the entire river turns bright green.
If you want a slightly elevated way to experience the green river without fighting for sidewalk space, book a St. Patrick’s Day river cruise. Several companies, including Shoreline Sightseeing and City Cruises Chicago, offer special holiday sailings with drinks, music, and unbeatable views of the skyline once the river is fully dyed green. If you’re traveling with a group, this is also a great way to lock in a set plan before heading back out into the party chaos.
Pro tip: These sell out fast for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, so book early.
After the dyeing, head toward the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Expect bagpipes, Irish dancers, and thousands of people dressed in every shade of green imaginable.
From there, it’s bar crawl mode.
River North Options:
- Mother Hubbard’s
- Hubbard Inn
If you want max party energy, go to Wrigleyville:
- Sluggers
- Old Crow Smokehouse
This is peak Chicago St. Patrick’s Day: packed bars, green outfits everywhere, music blasting, and people who have clearly been celebrating since sunrise.
Eat when you can. Hydrate when you remember.
Sunday: Recovery + Chicago Classics
Sunday is for regrouping.
Sleep in, grab coffee, and keep plans simple. If you’re still feeling festive, pop back into an Irish pub for a relaxed drink without the Saturday chaos. If you are hungover (rightfully so) might I suggest Lou Mitchell’s for some iconic diner food that has been around since 1923!
If you didn’t get a chance to see the river up close and personal on Saturday, I suggest stopping by on Sunday as it will still be green but without the crowds!
Before you leave the city, make sure you check off at least one Chicago food classic:
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria for deep dish
- Portillo’s for an Italian beef or Chicago dog
It’s the perfect way to close out the weekend and soak up the last of the celebration.
Shop similar green pants here
A Few Quick Tips
- Dress warm – March in Chicago is unpredictable. I shared some green outfit inspo here.
- Expect crowds everywhere downtown.
- Make reservations and plans ahead of time. Know that many bars operate first come, first serve and a lot have a cover on St. Paddy’s weekend.
- Plan transportation ahead of time (rideshare demand surges fast).
Chicago does St. Patrick’s Day bigger than anywhere else. If you’re coming, commit to it. The green river, the parade, the packed Irish pubs… it’s chaotic, festive, and completely worth it.
Sláinte. ☘️
