March is certainly a celebratory time in Chicago, as the temperatures start to warm up and every weekend is packed with events.
Watch the river turn green for St. Patrick’s Day, catch a concert or comedy show, celebrate Women’s History Month, explore a new museum exhibit, see a spring flower show, and so much more.
Check out our list of favorite Chicago activities and events to enjoy this March 2026.
Top events in Chicago this March
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade (March 1): Kick off the Year of the Horse in the heart of Chinatown with this annual parade full of vibrant, colorful floats, lion dances, and cultural performances.
David Byrne’s Theater of the Mind (March 11 – May 31): This new theatrical experience co-created by David Byrne, frontman of the legendary Talking Heads, is an immersive and participatory journey.
Chicago River dyeing (March 14): There’s no doubt Chicago is the place to be when celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, which kicks off with the iconic green river dyeing event.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14): The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a tradition in downtown Chicago for more than 70 years, featuring colorful floats, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, and marching bands.
Chicago Fire vs. DC United (March 14): Soccer fans should head to Soldier Field for match day excitement as the Chicago Fire take the field against DC United.
Irish American Heritage Center St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March 14): This fun-filled day includes traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, crafts, food, and more.
Spring Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory (through March): This annual flower show will highlight the best of spring blooms at one of the city’s most acclaimed indoor conservatories.
South Side Irish Parade (March 15): This beloved neighborhood parade is a long-standing tradition in the Beverly community and one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day community-based parades outside of Dublin.
Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden (through March 22): The Chicago Botanic Garden is going all out for its annual orchid show, featuring thousands of delicate blooms.
Chicago Cubs Home Opener (March 26): The Cubs take on the Washington Nationals to officially kick off baseball season at historic Wrigley Field.
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) (March 27 – 29): Celebrate your fandom at C2E2, a massive pop culture convention dedicated to all things comics, cosplay, gaming, authors, anime, and beyond.
NCAA March Madness Midwest Regional at United Center(March 27 – 29): All the action of March Madness comes to Chicago during this multi-day match-up at the legendary United Center.
More events in Chicago this March
Greektown Restaurant Week (March 1 – 7): Celebrate Chicago’s wide array of Greek cuisine during Greektown Restaurant Week, when you’ll find discounts and special offers at classic restaurants and bars.
Late Wednesday at the National Museum of Mexican Art (March 4): Enjoy extended evening hours at this free museum in Pilsen, including a free guided tour of an exhibit.
Hamilton at the CIBC Theatre (opens March 4): This smash-hit musical is back in Chicago for a limited run, thanks to Broadway in Chicago.
Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color (opens March 7): This new exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago will be the first time the museum displays Matisse’s iconic Jazz cutouts in their entirety.
Holi at Navy Pier (March 7): This free cultural celebration brings the colors and traditions of Holi to the lakefront, including the iconic powder throwing.
Chicago Flamenco Festival (through March 7): Now in its 24th year, this annual event from the Instituto Cervantes Chicago celebrates flamenco as a multi-cultural art form.
The Jackie Wilson Story at Black Ensemble Theatre (opens March 7): Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theatre kicks off its landmark 50th season with an award-winning production that originally premiered there in 2000.
Chicago Artisan Market (March 8): Spring forward at this Sunday market, featuring some of Chicago’s best local vendors and their handmade goods, art, jewelry, food, fashion, and more.
North Side Restaurant Week (through March 8): Explore the diverse dining scene of Chicago’s North Side, including Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Irving Park, North Center, and more.
Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament (March 10 – 15): All 18 Big Ten teams will converge for the first time during this action-packed tournament at the United Center.
Winning Works by The Joffrey Ballet (March 13 – 22): Catch the world premiere of five new works from an array of multi-cultural artists, presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Uncorked Wine Fest (March 14): Enjoy an after-hours experience at the Field Museum and sip, savor, and celebrate over 100 wines while exploring the museum’s fascinating exhibits.
Winter Whiskey Tasting at Morton Arboretum (March 14): Sip a selection of whiskeys while enjoying cozy fire pits and live music throughout this sprawling green space.
Avondale St. Patrick’s Parade (March 14): The legendary Chief O’Neill’s Pub will be the official start and end point of this neighborhood parade that marches through the Avondale community.
Birds of North America (through March 15): The Red Orchid Theatre is staging this new play that follows a father and daughter whose shared love of birdwatching becomes a lens for exploring family, changes, and the ever-evolving passage of time.
St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way (March 15): Enjoy all-ages fun outside Wrigley Field with live Irish dancing and bagpipe performances, face painting, balloon artists, and of course, green beer and Irish coffee for the adults.
Andersonville Restaurant Week (March 15 – 29): One of Chicago’s small business hubs, Andersonville will be spotlighting the area’s array of unique independent restaurants with special dining deals.
The Land of Oz: Beyond the Page (through March 15): Film lovers won’t want to miss this special exhibit dedicated to the Wizard of Oz movie and book at the historic Driehaus Museum.
Chicago Blackhawks at United Center (various dates): There’s nothing like the energy at the United Center when the legendary Chicago Blackhawks are out on the ice.
Savor Lincoln Park (March 18): Sip and savor your way through some of Lincoln Park’s most beloved restaurants with this indoor food festival at Theater on the Lake.
Chicago Bulls at the United Center (various dates): Catch the iconic basketball team play on their home court all month long.
Butterfly Haven Yoga (various dates): Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga practice inside the peaceful Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, as live butterflies flutter overhead.
Golden Hour at Epiphany Center for the Arts (through March): An arts center housed in a former church, Epiphany offers free live music and happy hour specials in its cafe bar each week.
Black Creativity Night Out at the Museum of Science and Industry (March 20): This adults-only event celebrates Black creativity in all its forms, with art, performances, and a dance floor.
West Town Restaurant Week (March 21 – 29): Discover new favorites and revisit staples during West Town Restaurant Week, featuring prix fixe menus across neighborhood.
Nina Simone Reimagined at Little Black Pearl (March 21): This intimate tribute concert honors the legacy of one of music’s most fearless voices, featuring local talent.
Shamrock Shuffle (March 22): Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, the Shamrock Shuffle returns to downtown Chicago in a sea of green for an 8k run or 2-mile walk starting in Grant Park.
Heart of Chicago Soul Club (March 28): Grab your tickets for this all-vinyl dance party at The Hideout, hosted by Chicago’s women-led soul club.
Chicago Mahogany Tours (multiple dates): Join Chicago’s urban historian on a tour of a historic Chicago neighborhood to discover fascinating stories and landmarks of the city’s Black history.
