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 2023.
Top events in Chicago this March
Sip craft beers at the Museum of Science and Industry (March 4): Brewsology Beer Fest is bringing together dozens of local breweries and cideries for an after-hours tasting event.
Watch the iconic Chicago River dyeing (March 11): One of the most famous St. Patrick’s Day events in the world, the Chicago River is dyed an emerald green during this one-of-a-kind tradition.
See the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade (March 11): A celebration of Irish culture, this joyous parade marches through the Loop with bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and more.
Watch the South Side Irish Parade (March 12): Known as one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around, this beloved neighborhood event originally started in 1979.
Catch the Northwest Side Irish Parade(March 12): In Norwood Park, the Northwest Side Irish have been hosting this family-friendly parade for more than 20 years.
Feel the rhythm of the sea at Ritmo Del Mar (March 25): This brand new after-hours event at the Shedd Aquarium features Latin-inspired music and cuisine.
Geek out at C2E2 (March 31 – April 2): Comics, cosplay, anime, gaming, and all things pop culture are on the schedule for this McCormick Place expo.
More events in Chicago this March
Interact with a new art installation at Navy Pier (opens March 1): Solstice is the newest public art experience coming to the lakefront this spring, inspired by solar and planetary movements.
Kick off Women’s History Month with a gourmet bash (March 2): Let’s Talk & Celebrate Womxn Gourmet Bash will include tastings from 35 women restaurateurs from around Chicago for this gold-and-glamor themed event.
See a new exhibit at an art museum/hotel (March 2): 21c Chicago is unveiling a new exhibition, OFFSPRING: New Generations, featuring more than 100 multimedia works from international artists.
Attend the Sor Juana Festival at the National Museum of Mexican Art (March 4): This annual multidisciplinary fest honors one of Mexico’s greatest writers, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and celebrates the rich artistic accomplishments of Mexican women from both sides of the border.
Get covered in colors at a Holi celebration (March 4): Take part in colorful Holi traditions, including powder throwing, during this free event from Navy Pier’s Global Connection series.
Get tickets to Elle King at The Salt Shed (March 4): Check out Chicago’s newest music venue, housed in the former Morton’s Salt complex, when this country rocker comes to town.
Hear live music at Stony Island Arts Bank (various dates): This former bank turned vibrant community arts center hosts their signature Sunday Services with DJ Duane Powell every other Sunday.
Dine with James Beard-awarded chefs (March 5): This special brunch at Peach’s Restaurant, part of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America culinary series, will include a multi-course meal made by notable local and national chefs.
Attend World Music Wednesday at Old Town School of Folk Music (March 8): Honor International Women’s Day with this global concert featuring musicians representing styles and genres from all over the world.
Laugh out loud at The Comedy of Errors (opens March 9): With newly written scenes from a Second City veteran, this Chicago Shakespeare Theatre production is funnier than ever.
See a new take on the story of Joan of Arc(opens March 9): Joan and the Fire at Trap Door Theatre examines the ways that history gets rewritten to serve those in power.
Catch comedian Janeane Garofalo at The Den (March 10): This Wicker Park venue is hosting iconic comedian Janeane Garofalo for four shows over two nights.
Live your Bridgerton dreams at the Regency Dance Party (March 10): Attend a royal feast, watch a dance showcase, then learn dance styles from the era — make sure to bring your ballgown.
Immerse yourself in Mozart (opens March 10): The newest installation at LightHouse ArtSpace is Mozart Immersive: The Soul of a Genius, an audio-centric world premiere.
Feel the luck of the Irish at Shamrock’n the Block (March 11): This beloved block party at Old St. Patrick’s Church will include food, drinks, a raffle, and more inside a heated tent.
Immerse yourself in Irish culture (March 11): The annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival at the Irish American Heritage Center includes traditional and contemporary music, kids activities, an arts and crafts fair, and more.
Shop local cuisine on The Mag Mile (throughout March): The Chicago Food Stop is a new pop-up concept on Michigan Avenue, showcasing culinary items from some of the city’s top chefs and restaurants.
See How Blood Go at Steppenwolf Theatre (opens March 11): Congo Square Theatre presents this thought-provoking story that explores the inequalities that African American people face in the modern healthcare system.
Bring the kids to the art museum (March 11): Family Day at the MCA, designed and led by Chicago artists, includes free museum admission along with workshops, performances, and more.
Dive into local history on a Chicago Mahogany Tour (March 11 and 25): Join the TikTok-famous Chicago historian Dilla on a tour of historic Bronzeville, including fascinating stories and landmarks of the city’s Black Metropolis
Support local makers at Logan Square bars (March 12): The Logan Square Makers Market & Bar Hop lets you browse items from more than 40 local makers and vendors, all with a drink in hand.
Shop the International Women’s Day Market (March 12): Browse wares from women-owned businesses in the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood area at this pop-up market at Artifact Events.
Be inspired by TINA – The Tina Turner Musical (opens March 14): Coming to the Nederlander Theatre, this Broadway in Chicago production features the beloved songs of one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Skydeck Chicago (March 17): The thrilling observation deck at Willis Tower will mark the holiday with performances by the Trinity Irish Dancers and traditional bagpipers.
Cheer on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center (various dates): Catch the iconic basketball team play on their home court all month long.
Explore artist studios during Third Fridays in Bridgeport (March 17): This free monthly event is your chance to explore the multilevel Bridgeport Art Center, home to 70+ artists.
Bring your dog to the Morton Arboretum (March 19): Take a stroll through this sprawling arboretum just outside Chicago, during this special “tails on the trails” event.
Celebrate Stout Fest with Goose Island (March 19): Head to the original Goose Island Brewhouse for one last Stout Fest, with offerings from more than 25 breweries.
Sip your way through Uncorked Wine Festival (March 25): The Museum of Science and Industry hosts this wine tasting event, with more than 100 varieties, food, a DJ, interactive exhibits, and more.
Grab tickets to The Book of Mormon (opens March 28): Broadway in Chicago brings this Tony Award-winning musical back to the stage of the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a limited run.
Catch the Chicago Cubs at their home opener (March 30): The legendary Chicago Cubs return to Wrigley Field with a season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers.
See Tedeschi Trucks Band at the Chicago Theatre (March 31): This 12-piece roots music group will bring their big sound to the Chicago Theatre for an unforgettable show.
Enjoy the Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden (through March): This orchid display at the Chicago Botanic Garden features more than 10,000 blooms from all over the world.
See the Chicago Blackhawks take the ice (various dates): There’s nothing like the energy in United Center when the Chicago Blackhawks are out on the ice.
Explore ancient ruins in a new Pompeii exhibit (through March): This limited engagement at the Museum of Science and Industry includes real artifacts and immersive multimedia experiences.
Find your zen at Butterfly Haven Yoga (various dates): Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga practice inside the peaceful Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, as live butterflies flutter overhead.
Hear free live music at Epiphany Center for the Arts (through March): An arts center housed in a former church, Epiphany offers live music, plus food and drink specials, in its cafe bar each week.
Explore Hogwarts at Harry Potter: Magic at Play (through March): This interactive space brings Hogwarts and Harry’s experience as a first-year student to life, exclusively at Water Tower Place.
Indulge at the Museum of Ice Cream (through March): Part whimsy and part delicious, the Museum of Ice Cream features 14 magical installations and the option to sample various sweet treats throughout the museum.
