St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a celebration like no other. With a substantial Irish population — and one of the biggest city-wide St. Patrick’s Day celebrations anywhere — Chicago is the perfect place to spend this holiday.
St. Patrick's Day events in Chicago
If you’re looking for a barstool to call home for the day, Chicago’s many local bars and restaurants get into the Irish spirit with specials and celebrations all March long. And you’ll find plenty of spots offering prime views of the Chicago River dyeing on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The festivities also include parades, neighborhood events, boat cruises down the green river, and more.
Whether or not your ancestors came from the Emerald Isle or you’re just honorary Irish for the weekend, these are some of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2026 in Chicago.
Waterfront restaurants to watch Chicago River Dyeing
City Winery Riverwalk: Enjoy an open bar, food buffet, live DJ, and fun games from the best seat in the house at this ticketed event along the Chicago Riverwalk.
Pizzeria Portofino: Enjoy signature cocktails, appetizers and pizza, a live DJ, and a front-row seat to the dyeing of the Chicago River at Pizzeria Portofino. Grab your tickets today for general admission or VIP riverfront table reservations.
Raised, An Urban Rooftop: Get a bird’s eye view of the river dyeing from this heated rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy themed signature cocktails, an Irish-inspired buffet, and entertainment from a live DJ and bagpiper.
LH on 21 & 22: This indoor-outdoor rooftop bar with truly spectacular downtown views will celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with a green river viewing party. Or grab tickets for the brunch party in the hotel’s grand ballroom.
Travelle at The Langham: At this casually elegant River North restaurant, admire dazzling views of the river dyeing festivities from floor-to-ceiling windows while enjoying the sounds of a live Irish trio and noshing on a delicious brunch buffet.
RPM Seafood: Enjoy an upscale St. Patrick’s Day at this tri-level seafood spot with sweeping river views. Party-goers will enjoy a passed apps, a bountiful buffet, seafood stations, and access to all three riverfront levels.
Miru: Perched on the 11th floor of the St. Regis building, this sleek sushi spot will open its two expansive terraces and indoor dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows for St. Patrick’s Day. The experience includes an open bar and a live DJ.
Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub: Located along the Chicago River, this friendly Irish pub will have a tent set up with live music all day. You can buy a ticket in advance to skip the line or join the VIP morning celebration.
Island Party Hut: Right on the Chicago Riverwalk, this tropical paradise offers amazing views of the green river, plus whiskey drinks, a live DJ, and photo ops.
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown: Watch the Chicago River dyeing from 39 stories up at this penthouse-level terrace. Settle in for a full brunch spread highlighting Irish specialties and crowd favorites.
Hoyt’s: This free-admission party will take place right along the water’s edge. Hang out on the outdoor riverfront patio or in the indoor dining room and enjoy festive music, a full bar, and Irish-inspired bites.
Street festivals and block parties
@choosechicagoSo many reasons that Chicago is THE best place to be for St. Patrick’s Day weekend ☘️💚 What’s special about this holiday in the city for you? 👇♬ original sound – Choose Chicago
Shamrock & Roll Street Fest: This massive block party in the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood is a full-day celebration with two main stages of live bands, Irish dancers, traditional bagpipers, and non-stop St. Paddy’s Day spirit.
Shamrock’n at Old St. Pat’s: On the day of the downtown river dyeing. Old St. Pat’s in the West Loop will host its annual outdoor extravaganza on Saturday, March 14. Enjoy live music and dancing, activities for kids, and pub fare.
St. Patrick’s Fest at Irish American Heritage Center: This two-day family-friendly festival will be held on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 with non-stop live music, traditional Irish dancing, games, food and drinks, and a dedicated kids’ zone.
Irish Village Market: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Ireland at this free outdoor festival just steps from the Chicago River. Get a taste of the Emerald Isle with live Irish music and dancing near the DuSable Bridge.
St. Patrick’s Day bar and restaurant specials in Chicago
Cork & Kerry: If you want to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day at an authentic Irish pub, consider one of the Cork & Kerry locations. Whether you choose the Bridgeport or Beverly location, the luck of the Irish will be with you.
Navy Pier: Take the Water Taxi from Michigan Avenue to Navy Pier’s inaugural Shamrockin’ at the Pier Bar Crawl with drink specials, live music, water views, and more.
Upstairs at The Gwen: Order a green beer or Irish coffee at this rooftop terrace, the perfect pre-parade or post-river-dyeing celebration spot.
Paradise Park: In the heart of Wicker Park, the festive Paradise Park will open early with a brunch buffet, music, an all-inclusive drink package, and more.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery: One of the only Guinness taprooms outside of Ireland, this West Loop brewery will be hosting a quintessential Irish St. Patrick’s Day celebration starting early with live entertainment, brewery pours, giveaways and more.
The Dearborn Tavern: Owned by two Irish sisters, The Dearborn goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day with food and drink specials and their standard welcoming atmosphere.
Three Dots and a Dash: In honor of St. Paddy’s Day, this iconic tiki bar will be serving a fun Irish-inspired riff on their classic mai tai during the city’s festivities.
Hopsmith Tavern: Tickets to this Gold Coast celebration include a bottomless Irish drink and appetizer package all morning long, plus music and more St. Patrick’s Day fun.
The Gage: The Gage is a great spot for those hoping to catch the St. Patrick’s Day parade and river dyeing, whether you’re more into The Gage’s impressive selection of spirits or a Guinness on tap.
Chief O’Neill’s: Not only has it been called the best Irish pub in Chicago, but it has previously been voted one of the best in the entire world. It’s the place to be for an all-out Irish pub St. Patrick’s Day experience. Enjoy the buffet, proper pints, and a roster of Irish musicians.
Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro: Another great example of a Chicago Irish pub, Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro in North Center provides a lively venue for those wanting an authentic way to celebrate the holiday. Reserve a table upstairs for traditional food and live Irish music.
Tao: This stunning club in River North will be hosting an exclusive early morning party with DJs and dancing. A ticket gets you guaranteed access to two floors with five fully stocked bars.
Emerald Loop Bar & Grill: Only a stone’s throw from the river, this is an ideal location to take in all things green. The bar opens early for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations so you’ll get to savor a whole day of Irish food and Guinness pints.
Gaslight: Get ready for a St. Patrick’s Day brunch party with an impressive brunch buffet spread, house cocktails, and green beer.
ROOF on theWIT: Soak in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities from 27 stories up, with plenty of Irish fare, giveaways, themed cocktails, and bottle service just steps from the river dyeing.
Sweetwater Tavern & Grille: Head to this Michigan Avenue spot bright and early for kegs and eggs, just blocks from the parade and the river dyeing.
Explore more: Check out more St. Patrick’s Day parties and events in Chicago.
