7 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

March in Chicago? So underrated! The cold temperatures begin to disappear, spring begins and every Chicagoans favorite tradition, the green river dyeing, takes place! Speaking of the green river, St. Patrick’s day is on a Sunday this year. And because the river dyeing always takes place the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day (March 16), we have one jam-packed weekend of festivities this year.

Since there are so many things you can do for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, we pulled together a list of seven places that we think should be a great time! And for all the best coverage of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Chicago, make sure to follow us on Instagram (@BestDateFood) if you aren’t already!

1 | The Chicago River

Every Chicagoan should see the green river dyeing up close and personal at least once! The river dyeing will take place on Saturday, March 16. We recommend finding a spot on either side of the river between State and Michigan. The river dyeing begins at 10 a.m. but crowds will form much earlier.

2 | Chief O’Neill’s

Chief O’Neill’s has to have the most packed lineup of St Patrick’s Day activities in Chicago. The Avondale St. Patrick’s Day parade kicks off from Chief O’Neill’s on Saturday at 10 a.m.! Check out the list of ways they’re celebrating! Both Saturday and Sunday will offer first floor parties with Irish entertainers throughout the day. Upstairs, you can enjoy an Irish brunch buffet for $45. The brunch buffet includes your $10 cover so start with brunch!

3 | Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub

This Irish tavern is situated right along the river, providing a perfect spot to have both a traditional Irish pub environment to celebrate while also having great proximity to the green river! Admission to Lizzie’s is first come first serve, which could benefit your group if you have procrastinated on plans. They will have a St. Patrick’s Day tent with live music all weekend long!

4 | LondonHouse

Watching the river dyeing from above has to be one of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. We think LondonHouse’s rooftop has some of the most iconic views of the green river. They throw a whole party on the day of the river dyeing featuring an open bar and passed bites. The drinks include green beer, green mimosas, a shamrock shake inspired cocktail and more! Tickets always sell out.

5 | Guinness Open Gate Brewery

This is the first St. Patrick’s Day since the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery opened in West Loop. It undoubtedly will be a great place to “have a Guinness!” to celebrate the holiday! The brewery offers both traditional Guinness and unique beers that are only brewed at this location.

6 | Pippin’s Tavern

Pippin’s is great if you’re looking for a more upscale Irish bar to celebrate. They will be having live entertainment all weekend long, including Irish Bagpipers and Irish Dueling Pianos! They also will be serving up an extensive special Irish menu throughout the weekend. Snag a reservation if they are still available!

7 | Butch McGuire’s

This Chicago institution makes for a great option to celebrate St. Pat’s. If you go to Butch McGuire’s between 9 a.m. and noon on Saturday, March 16, your cover charge will also INCLUDE a breakfast buffet. Take part in their contest to guess how many pints of Guinness will be poured over St. Patrick’s Day week and do you part to increase the count! When you have been at Butch McGuire’s long enough, just head next door to Shenanigans, another Irish bar!

Hungry for more ideas? We kept this list strictly to St. Patrick’s day activities. If you are looking for recommendations on where to eat to rest of the year, check out our list of 24 Chicago Dishes to Try in 2024!

Where do plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Leave us a comment!