Chicago March Weekend: St. Patrick's Day and Spring Preview
March in Chicago is when the city stops hibernating and starts throwing a party. The signature event is St. Patrick's Day, when the Chicago River turns emerald green, downtown fills with parade floats, and Wrigleyville bars pour green beer from open to close. But a March weekend here offers more than just one holiday. Spring training buzz is building, Wrigley Field tours are running, and the whole city starts waking up after a long winter.
Here is how to plan a March weekend that covers the best of Chicago's biggest spring celebration and everything that comes with it.
The Green River and Downtown Parade
St. Patrick's Day weekend kicks off with two iconic events that happen back to back on the same Saturday.
Watch the River Turn Green
Saturday, March 14, 2026, boats release eco-friendly orange dye into the Chicago River starting at 10 a.m. The dye reacts with the water to create a brilliant emerald green that lasts about five hours. Upper Wacker Drive and the bridges between State Street and Columbus Drive offer the best viewing spots. Arrive by 8:30 a.m. for a decent spot since roughly 60,000 people show up.
The Downtown Parade
The Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at noon on Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe. Three hours of floats, marching bands, and Irish step dancers make their way through Grant Park. CTA trains on the Red, Blue, Orange, and Green Lines all stop near the parade route.
Time Your Day Right
Start downtown for the river dyeing at 10 a.m., watch the parade at noon, then head to Wrigleyville by late afternoon. The CTA Red Line from downtown to Addison takes about 15 minutes and drops you right in the middle of the action near Wrigley Field.
Wrigleyville Goes All Out
Wrigleyville might be the best neighborhood in Chicago for St. Patrick's Day. The bars know what they are doing, the energy is infectious, and the Friendly Confines sit right in the middle of it all.
The Best Bars Near the Ballpark
Murphy's Bleachers (3655 N. Sheffield Ave.) is the legendary starting point, located directly across from Wrigley Field. Sluggers (3540 N. Clark St.) has batting cages upstairs and stays open until 4 a.m. on weekends. The Cubby Bear (1059 W. Addison St.) brings live music and DJs. Old Crow Smokehouse and Sheffield's Beer Garden round out the lineup.
Why Wrigleyville Beats Downtown
Neighborhood bars instead of tourist traps. Easier CTA access via the Red Line Addison stop. A more relaxed vibe once the parade crowds thin out. Plus, you can walk Gallagher Way and snap photos at the Wrigley Field Marquee between bar stops.
Spring Preview Activities
St. Patrick's Day weekend also marks the unofficial start of spring in Chicago. A few activities pair well with the holiday festivities.
Book a Wrigley Field Tour
Sunday morning is perfect for a ballpark tour when your head clears from Saturday. Walk through the dugout, press box, and onto the field at a National Historic Landmark. Tours run about 75 to 90 minutes and go rain or shine.
Early Spring Around the City
March weather ranges from 30 to 60 degrees, so dress in layers. When the sun cooperates, Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and neighborhood coffee shops are all great ways to ease into spring.
Getting Around and Staying Warm
March in Chicago requires strategy. Here is how to handle logistics without missing anything.
- Take the CTA instead of driving. Multiple train lines connect downtown to Wrigleyville, and service runs extra on St. Patrick's Day weekend
- Wear layers. March weather swings wildly, and wind off the lake cuts through thin jackets
- Comfortable shoes matter when you are standing for hours at parades and bar-hopping through Wrigleyville
- Rideshare surge pricing gets steep on St. Patrick's Day. The Red Line is your best friend
Kick Off Spring with the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field are part of the spirit of Chicago's St. Patrick's Day weekend. Even while the team is in Arizona for Spring Training, fans can still celebrate near the ballpark or book a tour of the Friendly Confines. Cubs.com has everything you need to plan your visit. Check ticket availability, browse special offers, and start planning your perfect March weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Chicago dye the river green?
Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10 a.m. The eco-friendly dye lasts about five hours. Arrive early for the best views from Upper Wacker Drive.
What time does the St. Patrick's Day Parade start?
The downtown parade begins at noon on Saturday, March 14, 2026 on Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe.
How do I get to Wrigleyville for St. Patrick's Day?
Take the CTA Red Line to Addison. The station sits right by Wrigley Field, and all the best bars are within walking distance. Skip driving.
Is there a South Side parade too?
Yes. The South Side Irish Parade happens Sunday, March 15, 2026 at noon on Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th Streets in Beverly.
Are Wrigley Field tours available in March?
Yes. Tours run year-round, rain or shine. Check Cubs.com for the latest schedule and booking information.
What should I wear for St. Patrick's Day in Chicago?
Layers, comfortable shoes, and something green. March temperatures swing from the 30s to the 60s with serious wind chill.