Chicago Prepares for Iconic St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing and Parades

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Windy City is gearing up for its annual St. Patrick's Day festivities this weekend, featuring the iconic dyeing of the Chicago River and parades across the city. The events will start on Saturday, March 15, with the river dyeing at 10 a.m. followed by the 70th annual downtown parade at noon.

City officials confirm that the Chicago River will be dyed a bright green, a tradition that lasts for more than 60 years. It takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete this colorful spectacle, although the depth of the river’s color can vary based on environmental conditions. While the vibrant green hue only lasts a few hours, it can linger for several days, with last year’s color visible for days after the event.

For those wishing to catch the dyeing action, the key viewing spots include Upper Wacker Drive or one of the many bridges spanning the river. The Riverwalk will be shut down for the dyeing process, so spectators are encouraged to secure their spots early. Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism office, suggests avoiding the Riverwalk, where access will be limited.

The dye, which initially appears orange when introduced into the water, is actually a secret, eco-friendly formula concocted by the Chicago Plumbers Local 130—responsible for this beloved tradition. According to Local 130, the dye turns green shortly after contact with the water, creating a stunning visual for thousands of viewers.

Stephen Bailey, the business manager of the plumbers’ union, introduced the idea in 1961 after noticing the green-stained overalls of a fellow plumber. The dye, initially used to detect leaks, sparked the idea to dye the river in celebration of the Irish holiday. Since then, the method remains a closely guarded secret that has inspired other cities but has not been successfully replicated.

After the river dyeing, festivities continue with the well-attended Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade. Set to begin at noon on Columbus Drive, the parade route extends from Balbo Drive to Monroe Street. Attendees are advised that street closures will start as early as 8 a.m., and strict security measures will be in place to ensure safety along the parade route, including bag checks and restrictions on coolers and alcohol.

Simultaneously, additional parades will take place on the South Side and Northwest Side of Chicago on Sunday, March 16. The South Side Irish Parade will kick off at noon from 103rd Street and Western Avenue, while the Northwest Side Irish Parade will also start at the same time on Neola Avenue.

Public transit is highly encouraged for attendees, with Metra offering extra services over the weekend. However, passengers are reminded that alcohol is prohibited on Metra trains during the events.

These St. Patrick’s Day celebrations highlight Chicago’s vibrant Irish heritage and bring together thousands of people for a joyous display of cultural pride.