Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago.
This weekend in Chicago is jam-packed with fun things to do: exhilarating live sports like the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center, jaw-dropping art exhibits, family-friendly fun, exciting cultural events, and so much more.
Plus, this weekend marks the city’s official St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, including the iconic green river dyeing, downtown parade, and beyond.
Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, March 13 – 15, 2026.
Chicago River dyeing
The annual Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. The best place to watch the green river dyeing is along the Chicago River between State and Columbus. The green river dyeing starts at 10 a.m. — get there early for a good view.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the country and the centerpiece of the city’s unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Catch the festive procession on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive.
South Side Irish Parade
A long-time Chicago tradition, the annual South Side Irish Parade is a homegrown celebration of Irish heritage in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhoods.
A family-friendly event, the South Side Irish Parade began in 1979 and has grown to become the largest St. Patrick’s Day community-based parade outside of Dublin, Ireland.
Shamrockin’ At The Pier Bar Crawl
Grab your friends and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by the water at Shamrockin’ at the Pier—Bucket Listers is excited to partner with Mad City Group to…
Irish Village Market
Building on last year’s hugely successful event, the Irish Village Market returns on March 14th 2026, (dyeing of the river day) to the heart of…
St. Patrick’s Day River Cruise Boat Party
ALL ABOARD CHICAGO’S ULTIMATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY BOAT PARTY Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the right way — on the GREEN Chicago River aboard the Island…
St Patrick’s Weekend Festival
Hubbard Street Goes Green St. Patrick's Weekend Festival Friday, March 13th, 2026 & Saturday, March 14th, 2026 | Hubbard Street | River North, Chicago Celebrate…
Shamrock & Roll on Division Street
Get ready to Shamrock & Roll as Division Street comes alive for Chicago's premier St. Patrick's Day street festival on Saturday, March 14, from 11…
Handmade Market at the Empty Bottle
Handmade Market Chicago - you’re invited to celebrate two decades of creativity, community, and craft! 20 Years of Handmade Market Chicago Saturday, January 10, 2026…
Women’s Makers Market at Navy Pier
Every Saturday in March from 12PM-6PM in the Food Experience Corridor, Navy Pier will host the Women’s Makers Market in partnership with Sunshine Enterprises, spotlighting…
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – 25th Anniversary – In Concert
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring live in concert. Experience the epic motion picture and Howard…
Hamilton
A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation. HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father…
LXIV (six.four)
LXIV (six.four) is a genre-bending hip hop theater work inspired by the legendary 1851 Immortal Chess Game. The story begins off the board, where each chess…
Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun 2026 Tour
Pop star Zara Larsson/w special guest Amelia Moore will perform live at Riviera Theatre on Mar. 15, 2026.
Madama Butterfly
Meet Cio-Cio-San — known as Madama Butterfly — a faithful but doomed geisha in love with B.F. Pinkerton. Everyone but Butterfly knows the Navy lieutenant…
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
“I have heard from a reliable source that no Dominican male has ever died a virgin. I shall be the first.” Oscar knows that a…
Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color
This exhibition marks the first time Matisse’s Jazz will be shown in its entirety at the Art Institute; the museum acquired it in 1948. One of the most important livres d’artiste (artist books) of the 20th century, Jazz joins over 50 works from the museum’s renowned collection of paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, illustrated books, and textiles.
Black Creativity
This longest continually running exhibition of African American art has been displayed annually at Griffin MSI since 1970. Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography by Black Americans, including youth artists between the ages of 14 and 17.
The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and rich history of Chicago’s Chinatown on our top-rated TripAdvisor food and culture tour. Enjoy seated dining at five…
The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy
Rewind to the ‘60s and ‘70s at the Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy where 10,000 vibrant orchids are the hottest thing since bell bottoms. Lose yourself in a 10-foot lava lamp aglow with colorful blooms, then hit the road as a flower-filled Volkswagen Beetle carries you through a Route 66 daydream.
Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago
Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago, the first exhibition to open in Intuit’s newly-renovated museum, is part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide collaboration initiated by the Terra Foundation for American Art that highlights the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities.
American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture
American Prophets journeys through the pages of American history to explore the influence of religion and spirituality on writers and culture, with interactive displays incorporating…
Balloon Museum: EmotionAir
The Pop Air and Let’s Fly exhibitions continue to thrill and engage a participative audience, but EmotionAir sets an even more ambitious goal. This latest…
Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.
Please note that all events are subject to change.
