Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Chicago River Dyeing
Wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day if the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130 UA didn’t dye the river green. Take the cheap route and walk along the Chicago River’s edge, or book a cruise. Weather services predict a possibility of flurries, but no matter. If the river’s green, spring is on the way. 10 a.m. March 14 along the Chicago River between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street. City Cruises run between 9:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. March 14 from River Esplanade, 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive; tickets from $62 at cityexperiences.com
St. Patrick’s Day 2026: What to know about Chicago River’s dyeing and downtown parade
St. Patrick’s Day parades
If you’re heading downtown for the river dyeing, you might as well stick around for the parade. This year’s grand marshal is Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, a South Side native and director of St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel. But to be honest, we’d rather wait until Sunday for the South Side Irish Parade. Now nearly 50 years old, the parade bills itself as the largest community-based parade outside of Dublin. It’s everything a parade should be. The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be at 12:30 p.m. March 14 from Balbo to Monroe streets; details on the free event at choosechicago.com and chicagostpatricksdayparade.org. The South Side Irish Parade will be at noon, March 15 from 103rd and Western Avenue; details on the free event at southsideirishparade.org
“Hubbard Street Goes Green”
St. Patrick’s Day is really just an excuse to bust out of the house at the dreariest time of the year. So if you’re looking to party all weekend, consider Hubbard Street’s two-day street festival. Expect DJs, live bands, outdoor bars, and food vendors. Tented areas and bathrooms are available, but let’s be clear: It’s still March in Chicago. 4 p.m. March 13 and 8 a.m. March 14, centered at 110 W. Hubbard St.; tickets (ages 21+) from $25 at eventbrite.com
St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way
Consider heading to Wrigleyville for a family-friendly (and dog-friendly) St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Gallagher Way. Trinity Irish Dancers and the Shannon Rovers will perform. Try a music or dance class, courtesy of the Old Town School of Folk Music. A magician, balloon artists, face painters, and a stilt-walker also will be on hand to delight the kids. And, of course, green beer, Irish coffee and more refreshments will be available to delight the parents. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 15 at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St.; details on the free event at gallagherway.com
Ivy Queen and La India
Bad Bunny wasn’t even in kindergarten when these two ladies were making hits. La Reina del Reggaetón Ivy Queen and salsa icon La India — two powerhouses of Latin music — take over the Rosemont Theatre this weekend. Ivy Queen also hosts “Loud,” a podcast chronicling the history of reggaeton. 8 p.m. March 13 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $127.15 at rosemont.com
Jacqueline Novak
Two shows are sold out, but you can still get into the Den Theatre to see comedian Jacqueline Novak. Maybe you saw her Emmy-nominated Netflix special, “Get on Your Knees,” based on her off-Broadway show that’s ostensibly about a sex act but really is so much more. Maybe you’ve listened to her podcast, “Poog,” or read her 2016 memoir, “How to Weep in Public.” Or seen her on late-night TV? And if you haven’t, go treat yourself to a night of smart and savvy humor. 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. March 13 at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets from $27 (two-item minimum) at thedentheatre.com
Tigran Hamasyan and Third Coast Percussion
Jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan joins Third Coast Percussion for two shows at the University of Chicago. The evening includes a performance of “Sonata for Percussion,” a piece Hamasyan composed for the Grammy-winning Chicago group, and the world premiere of “Orion” by Sérgio Assad. 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 13 at Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St.; tickets $26 at chicagopresents.uchicago.edu
“The Lord of the Rings” in Concert
It’s been 25 years since Peter Jackson’s epic reimagining of “The Lord of the Rings” hit screens, sending Frodo and Sam on their grand adventure to save Middle-earth. To celebrate, the first film in the trilogy, “The Fellowship of the Ring,” will play at The Auditorium Theatre, accompanied by 238 musicians, a chorus and soloists. If Howard Shore’s Oscar-winning score gave you chills the first time around, it most certainly will with a live symphony. 7:30 p.m. March 13 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 14 at The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $110.40 at auditoriumtheatre.org
“The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of Prince”
Bond with your kid as you groove to Prince at Thalia Hall. Be prepared to explain why anyone would party like it’s “1999” and assume that they won’t play “Darling Nikki,” ’cuz no parent wants to explain that. But know that you’re doing the right thing introducing them to The Purple One early. 11 a.m. March 15 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets $20.03 (children 1 and under free) at www.thaliahallchicago.com
Rooted & Radical Youth Poetry Festival Finals
Young Chicago Authors’ six-week poetry festival culminates in a final show this weekend at Ramova Theatre. Formerly known as Louder Than a Bomb, the Rooted & Radical Youth Poetry Festival brings together kids and educators for a series of workshops and performances. YCA is just one reason — among many — that Chicago Magazine wondered whether Chicago is the poetry capital of America. 6 p.m. March 15 at Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.; tickets from $17.56 (children 11 and under free) at ramovachicago.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
