The Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day means green will be seen all around the city — including the Chicago River.
Here’s what you need to know if you plan to catch a parade or the river-dyeing process.
The dyeing process starts Saturday morning (usually at 10 a.m.) and stretches from Orleans Street almost three-quarters of a mile east to Columbus Drive. The task usually takes 45 minutes to complete. Spectators can watch along Upper Wacker Drive. The Riverwalk will be closed starting Friday night and reopen Sunday.
Guide: Chicago restaurants and bars with St. Patrick’s Day specials
Bridges will be closed to spectators during river dyeing except for Orleans Street and Columbus and LaSalle drives, which will remain open to vehicles and pedestrians.
Want to take a ride on the newly tinted water? Depending on which direction the wind is blowing, the water can stay green for up to a few days. Chicago Water Taxi begins its seasonal service Saturday. Wendella, Chicago’s First Lady and Shoreline Sightseeing also offer a variety of tours.
That one time the river was dyed blue
A crew dyed the Chicago River blue in 2016 to celebrate the World Series champion Cubs on the day of the team’s victory parade and celebration.
What’s the weather forecast?
Saturday will be partly sunny but very windy — with gusts up to more than 45 mph at times — and highs in the mid-60s, according to the National Weather Service Chicago office.
When does the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade take place?
There is about a two-hour gap between when dyeing of the Chicago River begins and the parade — which is in its 70th year — steps off. Starting at 11 a.m., spectators can only access the parade route via Jackson Boulevard and Ida B. Wells Drive. All bags and purses will be checked at these entrances. Leave coolers, alcoholic beverages and water bottles at home. VIP seating is sold out.
- Day: Saturday
- Start time: 12:15 p.m.
- Stepping off from: The corner of Columbus and Balbo drives and heading north on Columbus about a half-mile to Monroe Street.
- Road closures: Columbus Drive will be closed to vehicles from Wacker Drive south to Roosevelt Road starting at 8 a.m. Saturday.
- Theme: “Trades, technology and education”
- Grand marshal: Mark McManus, general president of United Association
- Guest of honor: Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters
- Queen: Cara Walsh
Watching from home? Tune into WLS-Ch. 7‘s livestream.
Details for other parades in the city:
Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Starts at noon at Archer and Oak Park Avenues and will march east to Merrimac Avenue.
Northwest Side Irish Parade: Starts at noon Sunday at 6634 W. Raven St. (outside William J. Onahan Elementary School), then proceeds south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway, then north on Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue.
South Side Irish Parade: Starts at noon Sunday at the intersection of 103rd Street and Western Avenue, then proceeds south on Western to 115th Street.
Vintage Chicago Tribune: The city’s St. Patrick’s Day traditions
What’s the best way to get downtown Saturday?
Due to expected large crowds and street closures, organizers say plan extra time to travel to these events and consider using public transportation.
Chicago Transit Authority
Unlimited ride passes are available for one day ($5) and can be purchased through the Ventra app.
Check out transitchicago.com for bus and rail fare information, route schedules and maps.
Rail lines:
- Red Line: Exit at Monroe station and walk a few blocks east.
- Blue Line: Exit at Washington station and walk a few blocks east.
Elevated lines (Brown, Green, Pink or Orange): Exit at Washington/Wabash or Adams/Wabash stations.
Buses: Road closures will cause reroutes.
Metra
Metra offers two weekend-pass options. Unlimited rides on Saturday or Sunday are $7. Up to three children age 11 and under can ride free with each fare-paying adult. A weekend pass includes unlimited rides for $10, available only in the Ventra app.
Six Metra lines connect to Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. One connects to LaSalle Street Station.
Check metra.com for route schedules and maps. Alcohol and bicycles are not permitted Saturday for all lines and Sunday on Rock Island trains.
Parking
If driving downtown, then parking can be purchased in advance through SpotHero or Millennium Garages.
