The 2025 Chicago River dyeing is set for Saturday, March 15, 2025 – are you ready? Every March, Chicago transforms its downtown river into a vivid green spectacle, captivating both locals and visitors. This cherished tradition, dating back to 1962, is a testament to the city’s vibrant Irish community and its spirited celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day.
Chicago’s Iconic St. Patrick’s Day Tradition: Dyeing the River Green
Hey there, fellow Chicagoans and St. Paddy’s Day enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, the sight of the Chicago River transformed into a brilliant emerald hue is enough to fill your heart with joy and Irish pride. While my husband leans towards his Italian heritage, the Irish in him always picks up about the time the river turns green! There’s something truly magical about witnessing this beloved tradition unfold, a vibrant celebration that captures the city’s rich Irish heritage and infectious spirit.
As someone who has been mesmerized by the river dyeing growing up, I can’t help but feel a sense of childlike wonder every time the waters take on that iconic shade of green. It’s a moment that never fails to remind me of the incredible culture and camaraderie that make Chicago such a special place.
So, whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or a visitor looking to experience one of the city’s most iconic traditions, grab your best green attire and join me on a journey through the history, festivities, and best viewing spots for this annual spectacle that is the Chicago River Dyeing.
EXPERT TIP: If you are coming in from out of town, check out our guide to hotels in downtown Chicago, so you can snag the perfect spot to stay for St. Patrick’s Day.
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Tradition: How Plumbing Inspired the Iconic Green River
Every March, Chicago embraces its Irish heritage by transforming the Chicago River into a dazzling shade of emerald green. This part of Chicago history dates back more than 50 years ago. What started as a plumbers’ solution to detecting leaks has become one of the city’s most beloved traditions, marking the official start of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This year, the spectacle takes place on Saturday, March 15th, drawing thousands of spectators to witness the river’s stunning transformation. Here’s everything you need to know, including the best viewing spots to experience the magic up close!
One of Chicago’s most iconic and vibrant traditions is the annual dyeing of the Chicago River to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. This year, the emerald-hued celebration is set to take place on Saturday, March 15th, kicking off the city’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Here’s everything you need to know about this beloved event, including the best spots to witness the magic unfold.
A Plumber’s Inspiration: How the River Dyeing Tradition Began
Every March, Chicago kicks off St. Patrick’s Day with one of the most spectacular sights you’ll ever see—the Chicago River turning a brilliant shade of emerald green. It’s a tradition so uniquely Chicago that if you’ve never witnessed it in person, you’re truly missing out.
Believe it or not, this now-iconic event started completely by accident. Back in 1962, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 was using a special dye to detect leaks in the river. As the story goes, union worker Stephen Bailey noticed his coveralls had turned a vivid green from the dye and immediately had a lightbulb moment. He supposedly turned to his crew and said, “Call the mayor… we’re dyeing the whole river green!”
And just like that, a tradition was born.
Since then, every year, the plumbers’ union takes to the water in boats, tossing an environmentally safe, orange-colored dye into the river. Within moments, the dye reacts with the water, and before your eyes, the river transforms into a glowing, shamrock-hued spectacle—a sight that would make even the Irish proud.
This year, the magic happens on Saturday, March 15th, and if you’ve never seen it in person, let this be the year you finally check it off your bucket list. Keep reading for everything you need to know, including the best spots to catch the transformation up close!
Don’t Miss the Magic! When and Where to Watch Chicago’s Iconic River Dyeing
If you’ve never experienced the Chicago River dyeing in person, make this the year you see it up close! The transformation happens on Saturday, March 15th, at 10 a.m., when members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 release their environmentally friendly dye into the river. The process takes place between Columbus Drive and Wacker Drive, and within minutes, the water turns a striking, fluorescent green—a dazzling spectacle that only lasts a few hours.
Best Viewing Spots: Where to Get the Perfect View
To get the best glimpse of the emerald waters, arrive early and head to one of these prime viewing locations:
🔹 Upper Wacker Drive
For an unbeatable bird’s-eye view, Upper Wacker Drive is a top choice. The elevated street offers clear, panoramic sightlines of the river, with the stretch between Columbus Drive and Fairbanks Court being a particularly great vantage point.
🔹 Chicago Riverwalk
Although the lower Riverwalk is closed during the dyeing, the upper-level sections remain open and provide excellent views of the transformation. Find a spot along the bridges or terraces for a close-up experience.
🔹 Michigan Avenue & DuSable Bridge
Standing on Michigan Avenue near the DuSable Bridge offers a breathtaking perspective as the green dye swirls beneath you. This historic location is one of the most popular spots, so arrive early to claim a prime viewing position.
🔹 The Bridges Along the Chicago River
If you prefer a dramatic, up-close look, the State Street, Clark Street, and Dearborn Street bridges offer fantastic viewpoints as the river shifts from its normal hue to a radiant green.
🔹 LondonHouse Chicago Rooftop (85 E Wacker Dr)
For a VIP experience, head to LondonHouse’s rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the river turn green from above. This spot provides one of the most stunning perspectives of the event.
🔹 Clover Cruises & Other Riverboat Tours
For a truly unique experience, book a Clover Cruises river tour or another St. Patrick’s Day river cruise. Being on the water as the transformation
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Style: Where to Keep the Festivities Going
The Chicago River dyeing is just the beginning of an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day weekend in the city! Once you’ve witnessed the river’s stunning emerald transformation, the celebrations continue with lively parades, Irish pubs, and festive events all across Chicago.
🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Parade – A Chicago Tradition
Right after the river dyeing, make your way to the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which kicks off at 12:15 p.m. on Columbus Drive and winds through the Loop. Expect elaborate floats, Irish dancers, marching bands, and, of course, the unmistakable sounds of the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band leading the charge.
🍻 Irish Pubs & Specials – Where to Eat, Drink & Be Merry
After the parade, the party spills into River North’s best Irish bars and restaurants, many of which offer holiday specials on corned beef, shepherd’s pie, and green beer. Whether you’re looking for a rowdy pub crawl or a cozy spot to enjoy a Guinness, there’s no shortage of great places to celebrate.
🎶 The South Side Irish Parade – A Neighborhood Celebration
For a more traditional, family-friendly celebration, check out the South Side Irish Parade on Sunday, March 16th. This beloved event is a Chicago staple, featuring bagpipers, community floats, and plenty of Irish pride.
Want to know the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago? 🍀 Check out our top picks for the ultimate Chicago St. Paddy’s Day experience!
Where’s your favorite spot to watch the river dyeing? Use the comment section below to let us know!