- Chicago River Dyeing (14 March 2026, 10:00 a.m.): A cherished tradition where motorboats release an eco-friendly, vegetable-based dye to turn the Chicago River a vibrant emerald green for several hours, best viewed along Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and State Street.
- Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (Downtown) (14 March 2026, stepping off at 12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.): The 70th annual parade marches north along Columbus Drive from Balbo Drive to Monroe Street, featuring colourful floats, bagpipers, Irish step dancers, marching bands, and community groups celebrating Irish heritage.
Other Major Illinois Parades & Festivals
- South Side Irish Parade (15 March 2026, 12:00 p.m.): A large, community-focused procession along Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th Streets in the Beverly and Morgan Park neighbourhoods, emphasising authentic Irish culture, family participation, and neighbourhood pride.
- Northwest Side Irish Parade (15 March 2026, 12:00 p.m.): Held in the Norwood Park neighbourhood, starting at William J. Onahan Elementary School, this parade brings together local marchers, bands, and festive entries in a welcoming community setting.
- Saint Charles Saint Patrick’s Parade & Celebrations (14 March 2026; opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m., parade at 2:00 p.m.): Downtown Saint Charles hosts an opening ceremony followed by a parade with over 80 entries, including floats, bands, and performers along the scenic riverfront area.
- Peoria Saint Patrick’s Block Party (17 March 2026, 8:00 a.m.): A massive all-day street party at Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery (619 SW Water Street), featuring live music, heated tents, food, drinks, and a lively crowd atmosphere.
- Yorkville Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration (14 March 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m.): At Bicentennial Riverfront Park, this family-oriented event includes a 5K run, Lucky Leprechaun Hunt, an Irish parade, and additional activities throughout the day.
Cultural Events & Festivals
- Irish American Heritage Center Saint Patrick’s Fest (14–15 March 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m.): Located at 4626 N. Knox Avenue in Chicago, this two-day festival offers traditional Irish music sessions, step dancing performances, authentic cuisine, and cultural exhibits.
- Shamrock & Roll on Division (14 March 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.): A major street festival along Division Street between Clark and State Streets in Chicago, featuring two live music stages, food vendors, drinks, and energetic crowds.
- Shamrock’n at Old Saint Pat’s (14 March 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.): A family-friendly pop-up Irish pub experience at Old Saint Patrick’s Church (625 W. Adams Street, West Loop), with live bands such as Whiskey Mick, food, beverages, and a welcoming community vibe.
Tourism Ireland reaches out toe the Irish Diaspora
Saint Patrick’s Day county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Saint Patrick’s Day state by state in the USA
Alabama – Alaska – Arizona – Arkansas – California – Colorado – Connecticut – Delaware – Florida – Georgia – Hawaii – Idaho – Illinois –Indiana – Iowa – Kansas – Kentucky – Louisiana – Maine – Maryland – Massachusetts – Michigan – Minnesota – Mississippi – Missouri – Montana – Nebraska – Nevada – New Hampshire – New Jersey – New Mexico – New York – North Carolina – North Dakota – Ohio – Oklahoma – Oregon – Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – South Carolina – South Dakota – Tennessee – Texas – Utah – Vermont – Virginia – Washington DC – Washington State – West Virginia – Wisconsin – Wyoming –
Saint Patrick’s Day province by province in Canada
Alberta – British Columbia – Manitoba – New Brunswick – Newfoundland and Labrador – Nova Scotia – Ontario – Prince Edward Island – Quebec – Saskatchewan
Saint Patrick’s Day state by state in Australia
New South Wales – Northern Territory – Queensland – Tasmania – Victoria – Western Australia
