Explore Chicago’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Day: Pope Leo-Themed Parade, Green River Magic, and Best Viewing Spots on March 14

Chicago is gearing up for its renowned St. Patrick’s Day festivities this weekend, promising a vibrant celebration that captures the city’s spirit.

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One of the highlights will be the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 turning the Chicago River a striking shade of green. This annual tradition is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the dyeing process taking place just west of the Columbus bridge, stretching to the east of Orleans before reaching Wolf Point.

According to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), several bridges will be temporarily closed during the river dyeing event. However, the Columbus, LaSalle, and Orleans bridges will remain accessible to traffic.

For those planning to visit the area, it’s important to note that the Chicago Riverwalk will be off-limits from 11 p.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Sunday, ensuring a safe and orderly event.

Spectators eager to witness the transformation of the river can enjoy the view from Upper Wacker Drive, which offers a perfect vantage point for this iconic spectacle.

As for weather, ABC7 meteorologists say there is a chance for snow as the river is being dyed in the forecast on Saturday.

ABC7 Chicago will broadcast the parade live, with special coverage hosted by Rob Hughes, Stephanie Wade and Greg Dutra from noon to 2 p.m.

The 71st annual Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will run along Columbus Drive between Monroe Street and Balbo Drive.

The 2026 theme “Faith, Peace, & Unity” is inspired by Pope Leo XIV.

Street closures for the parade will begin as as early as 8 a.m. including Columbus Drive from Roosevelt Road to Wacker Drive and east/west streets in those boundaries.

Streets within the boundary of Monroe Street between Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed.

OEMC said the Chicago Police Department will have an increased presence at all St. Patrick’sDay events across the city on Saturday.

Here are others events happening this weekend:

Saturday, March 14:

Shamrock Crawl – Wrigleyville: The bar crawl begins at 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. OEMC said street closures will begin at 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. at N. Clark Street (1100-1160), N. Clark Street (3450-3600), W. Eddy Street (1100-1160), and N. Seminary Avenue (3505-3525).

Sunday, March 15:

South Side Irish Parade: The South Side Irish Parade steps off at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western Avenue. Expect parking restrictions on both sides of the street from 103rd to 112th Streets along Western Avenue. Street closures along the parade route as well as the staging area may begin as early as 7 a.m. The parade is expected to end at 4 p.m., the disbanding area is located on Western Avenue from 115th to 119th Streets.

Northwest Side Irish Parade : The parade steps off at noon at Onahan School, at 6634 W. Raven St. proceeding south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway and north to Harlem Avenue. Northwest Highway will be closed to vehicles at 9am. Parking restrictions are in effect along the route beginning at 7 a.m. Both sides of the street on Neola, Raven, Northwest Highway, Normandy Avenue, Imlay, Neva, Palatine and Natoma along the route will be affected.