Posted 4 hours ago in Trending, St. Patrick's Day, events
3 MIN READ – Classic St. Patrick’s Day activities in the Loop are back in full bloom! From the Chicago River dyeing to the best bars and restaurants, we’ve rounded up the best ways to get your green on for St. Paddy’s day.
Chicago river dyeing and St. Patrick's day parade
The river dyeing kicks off 10 AM Saturday, March 14, turning the water green between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street. The local tradition dyes the Chicago River a festive green in celebration of one of Chicago's favorite holidays and can best be viewed from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks. After the dyeing, the 2026 Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade will step off at Columbus and Balbo at 12:15 PM.
Get shamrocked at Industry Ales
Pre-Parade Breakfast Party: Iron & Irish
March 14, 2026, 8 AM - 12 PM
Raise a pint and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend with live music, specialty brews, and Irish-inspired eats at our Paddies Pre-Parade Breakfast Party from 8 AM to 12 PM (advance ticket purchase required). Kick off the festivities before the parade with a ticket option that fits your celebration style—from General Admission with one beer for $20 or GA with an unlimited beer package for $55, to VIP entry with a breakfast buffet and balcony access for $45. For the full experience, upgrade to VIP with buffet, balcony access, and an unlimited beer package for $80, giving you the ultimate food and drink setup before heading out to the parade.
post parade party (starting at 12 PM)
March 14, 2026, 12 PM - Midnight
Keep the celebration going after the parade with live entertainment, festive bites, and plenty of Irish cheer. Enjoy live music and bagpipers throughout the day to keep the party going while you dig into our limited-edition Parade Day menu (our regular menu will not be available). Menu highlights include fries with beer cheese, an Irish grilled cheese, smash burger, sausage roll, loaded corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie-rogis, and an Irish cream brownie for something sweet. Pair it all with drink specials like Industry Ales green beer and Irish Sinkers shots to keep the festive spirit going.
Good eats+beer garden at land & Lake kitchen
St. Paddy's day food & drink specials
March 13-17, 2026
Land & Lake is starting the St. Paddy's Day party at 8 AM, so guests heading to the river dyeing can stop in before or after the celebration to enjoy limited-time Irish-inspired dishes, seasonal cocktails, beer specials, and a lively beer garden experience near the center of the action.
Its prime downtown location makes Land & Lake Kitchen an ideal home base for both locals and visitors celebrating St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Dine at the depot
join depot 226 for food and cocktails
March 14, 2026, 11 AM
Make your next stop Depot 226, just steps away from the river --for great food and St. Patrick's Day Cocktails.
st. patrick's foodie finds
celebrate all things st. Patrick's day with franklin on 2
March 14-17, 2026
Head over to La Quinta Inn & Suites and stop by their restaurant, Franklin on 2, for festive specials including $5 green beer and $15 corned beef sliders.
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
Continue your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the return of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle! The streets of Chicago will turn green again with a weekend full of events for everyone. Kick off the fun and test your speed at The Mile in Grant Park on March 22. Add some distance to your weekend on March 23 at the 8K Run or the 2-Mile Walk. Learn more and sign up today at shamrockshuffle.com.
