Irish eyes turn to the city this weekend. On Saturday, the Chicago River will run green and festive floats, marching bands and politicians will parade down Columbus Drive.
Organizers are expecting an influx of people to celebrate the events, so here’s what you need to know if you plan to experience them in person.
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When will the Chicago River be dyed green?
The dyeing process starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and stretches from Orleans Street almost three-quarters of a mile east to Columbus Drive.
- Day: Saturday
- Start time: 10 a.m. (It takes about 45 minutes for the river to turn completely green.)
- Where to watch: Along Upper Wacker Drive
Bridges will be closed to spectators during river dyeing except for Orleans Street and Columbus and LaSalle drives, which will remain open to vehicles and pedestrians.
Access to the Chicago Riverwalk closes Friday night and will reopen Sunday.
Want to take a ride on the newly tinted water? Chicago Water Taxi begins its seasonal service Saturday. Wendella, Chicago’s First Lady and Shoreline Sightseeing also offer a variety of tours.
What’s the weather forecast?
After today’s rain and storms exit the area, drier conditions are expected into this weekend. Cooler temperatures will also return to the area on Sunday. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/Gjacw1eDTB
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) March 14, 2024
Saturday will be partially cloudy with high temperatures in the low 50s. Lows Saturday night will be in the 30s.
Expect cloudy skies Sunday with highs in the mid-40s.
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When does the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade take place?
There is about a two-hour gap between when dyeing of the Chicago River begins and the parade — which is in its 69th year — steps off. Starting at 11 a.m., spectators can only access the parade route via Jackson Boulevard and Ida B. Wells Drive. All bags and purses will be checked at these entrances. Leave coolers, alcoholic beverages and water bottles at home. VIP seating is sold out.
- Day: Saturday
- Start time: 12:15 p.m.
- Stepping off from: The corner of Columbus and Balbo drives and heading north on Columbus about a half-mile to Monroe Street.
- Road closures: Columbus Drive will be closed to vehicles from Wacker Drive south to Roosevelt Road starting at 8 a.m. Saturday.
- Theme: “Mental health is essential”
- Grand marshal: Peter O’Brien Sr., president and CEO of MADO Management
- Guest of honor: Patrick Kennedy walked in the parade with his father, Sen. Edward Kennedy, in 1980. This year he returns as its guest of honor.
- Queen: Grace O’Connor
Watching from home? Tune into WLS-Ch. 7‘s livestream.
Details for other parades in the city:
Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Starts at noon Saturday at the intersection of 53rd Street and Oak Park Avenue, then proceeds south on Oak Park to Archer Avenue, then east on Archer to Narragansett Avenue before ending in the 5600 block of South Narragansett.
Northwest Side Irish Parade: Starts at noon Sunday at 6634 W. Raven St. (outside William J. Onahan Elementary School), then proceeds south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway, then north on Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue.
South Side Irish Parade: Starts at noon Sunday at the intersection of 103rd Street and Western Avenue, then proceeds south on Western to 115th Street.
Join the fun at suburban Chicago, Northwest Indiana St. Patrick’s Day parades
What’s the best way to get downtown Saturday?
Due to expected large crowds and street closures, organizers say plan extra time to travel to these events and consider using public transportation.
Chicago Transit Authority
Unlimited ride passes are available for one day ($5) or three days ($15) and can be purchased through the Ventra app.
Check out transitchicago.com for bus and rail fare information, route schedules and maps.
Rail lines:
- Red Line: Exit at Monroe station and walk a few blocks east.
- Blue Line: Exit at Washington station and walk a few blocks east.
Elevated lines (Brown, Green, Pink or Orange): Exit at Washington/Wabash or Adams/Wabash stations.
Buses: Road closures will cause reroutes.
Metra
Metra offers two weekend-pass options. Unlimited rides on Saturday or Sunday are $7. Up to three children age 11 and under can ride free with each fare-paying adult. A weekend pass includes unlimited rides for $10, available only in the Ventra app.
Six Metra lines connect to Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. One connects to LaSalle Street Station.
Check metra.com for route schedules and maps. Alcohol and bicycles are not permitted Saturday for all lines and Sunday on Rock Island trains.
Parking
If driving downtown, then parking can be purchased in advance through SpotHero or Millennium Garages.
