Your Ultimate Guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago (2025)
I’ve celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago more times than I can count, and every year, it’s an unforgettable party. From watching the river turn green to hopping between Irish pubs, parades, and bar crawls, the city knows how to do St. Paddy’s Day right.
As the Windy City gears up for its annual celebration of Irish heritage, the streets come alive with the infectious energy of St. Patrick’s Day. From the iconic dyeing of the Chicago River to raucous bar crawls and lively parades, Chicago knows how to embrace the spirit of the Emerald Isle in grand fashion. Whether you’re seeking traditional Irish fare, lively music, or simply a pint of perfectly poured Guinness, I’ve rounded up 23 top spots to check out in 2025.
Watch the river dyed green from the best seats in the house with clover cruises. Make your way down the river and bask in its emerald glow with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Get Tickets
Watch the Chicago River Turn Green
📅 Saturday, March 15, 2025 | ⏰ Dyeing starts at 10:00 AM
📍 Best viewing spots:
- Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge)
- Columbus Drive Bridge
- Chicago Riverwalk between State St. & Columbus Dr.
If you’ve never seen the Chicago River dyed bright green, this is the year to do it. The tradition started back in 1962, and to this day, it’s one of the most iconic St. Paddy’s events in the country. Get there early to grab a prime viewing spot!
👉 Pro tip: Book a Chicago boat tour or cruise for a front-row seat on the water.
☘️ Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
📅 Saturday, March 15, 2025 | ⏰ 12:15 PM
📍 Columbus Drive, Grant Park (between Balbo & Monroe)
It’s hard to choose a favorite Chicago parade: after all, with the Festival of Lights and the Thanksgiving Day Parade down State Street, the competition is stiff. But, mark your calendars: right after the river turns green, the city’s biggest parade kicks off. Bagpipes, Irish dancers, colorful floats—it’s everything you expect from a classic St. Paddy’s celebration.
👉 Pro tip: If you want an Irish pub nearby after the parade, check out The Gage (24 S. Michigan Ave.) for a post-parade pint and a plate of fish and chips.
🍺 Best Bars & Pubs for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago
1. Hopsmith Tavern – River North
📍 15 W. Division St. | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Start your day with a glass of green beer at this lively River North bar. It gets packed, so get there early.
2. Hubbard Inn & Masq – River North
📍 110 W. Hubbard St. | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
If you’re looking for a high-energy party scene with DJs and dancing, this is your spot.
3. Joy District & Parlay – River North
📍 112 W. Hubbard St. | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Joy District always goes big for St. Patrick’s Day, with rooftop views and party vibes all day.
4. LiqrBox – Near North Side
📍 873 N. Orleans St. | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This trendy bar offers colorful drinks, good music, and a festive crowd.
5. The River Kitchen & Bar – Lincoln Park
📍 2909 N. Sheffield Ave. | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Great option if you want a more laid-back atmosphere with outdoor space.
6. Pizzeria Portofino – Riverwalk Views
📍 317 N. Clark St. | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Watch the river dyeing while enjoying pizza and cocktails by the water in a comfy ambiance.
7. Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse – River North
📍 33 W. Kinzie St. | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
This classic Chicago steakhouse that always brings the Irish party vibes.
8. Brickhouse Tavern – Wrigleyville
📍 3647 N. Clark St. | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Located next to Wrigley Field, this is a fun spot for drinks and sports fans.
9. Happy Camper (Old Town & Wrigleyville)
📍 1209 N. Wells St. & 3458 N. Clark St. | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A festive party atmosphere with pizza and plenty of green drinks.
10. Homeslice (Lincoln Park)
📍 938 W. Webster Ave. | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Another great pizza and drinks spot in Lincoln Park.
11. Paradise Park (Wicker Park)
📍 1913 W. North Ave. | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The same team behind Happy Camper brings the St. Paddy’s fun to Wicker Park.
12. Woodie’s Flat – Old Town
📍 1535 N. Wells St. | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Casual neighborhood bar with great drink specials.
13. She-nannigans – River North/Gold Coast
📍 16 W. Division St. | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
One of the best Irish-themed bars in Chicago.
14. Fatpour (Wicker Park)
📍 2005 W. Division St. | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Great place for beer lovers, with an energetic crowd.
15. Streeter’s Tavern – Near North Side
📍 50 E. Chicago Ave. | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A cozy basement bar just off the Magnificent Mile.
16. Utopian Tailgate – Old Town
📍 1608 N. Wells St. | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A rooftop party spot with games and green beer.
🎉 Bar Crawls & Block Parties
17. Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (Saturday)
📍 Starts at Takito, 2423 N. Lincoln Ave. | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
One of the biggest bar crawls in the city.
18. Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl By Bar Crawl LIVE
📍 Starts at Lore Chicago, 157 W. Ontario St. | 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
19. Guinness Open Gate Brewery – St. Patrick’s Day Block Party
📍 901 W. Kinzie St. | 9:00 AM – All Day
🍀 Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events
20. Shamrock’n at Old St. Pat’s – West Loop
📍 625 W. Adams St. | 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
21. Lights & Sirens Ice Jamboree – Near West Side
📍 Fifth Third Arena, 1801 W. Jackson Blvd. | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
22. March For Kids Post Parade Party – The Loop
📍 Venue SIX10, 610 S. Michigan Ave. | 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
23. Bunny Bash – North Riverside Park Mall
📍 7501 W. Cermak Rd., North Riverside | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where Will You Celebrate?
Chicago knows how to throw a St. Patrick’s Day party, and 2025 is shaping up to be another epic celebration. Whether you’re hitting up a pub crawl, grabbing a front-row spot for the river dyeing, or just looking for a solid pint of Guinness, you won’t be disappointed. See you out there—sláinte! 🍻