St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Chicago should be on everyone’s US travel bucket list because there is no experience quite like it! Chicago is rich in Irish heritage and this is undeniably present in the annual parade and festivities that take place throughout the city. Here are a few places to go and things to do for you St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Chitown.

What to do for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

St. Patrick’s Day Parades

There’s nothing like seeing the city get dressed for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago! The annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the most popular one and features dancing troupes, traditional Irish bands, school marching bands, and so much more! There is also the South Side Irish Parade. Just make sure to get there early because it will get packed and don’t forget to go in your green gear!

Visit The Bean & Millennium Park

Millennium Park is located in the heart of Chicago and is a must-visit place! For architecture lovers, as well as tourists and visitors, this park features something for everyone with lots of things to see and do. Crown Fountain, The Bean (Cloud Gate), the Lurie Garden, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion are a few of the popular locations in this area.

Watch the Chicago River get Dyed Green

For St. Patrick’s Day, once a year part of the annual parade and festivities since 1961, the city of Chicago dyes the Chicago River bright emerald green. This draws crowds from all over, lining the river banks to watch this tradition as the river turns green. This is an eco-friendly dye and the boats start dyeing at 9 am so get there early to get a good spot! There are also cruises you can take along the river.

Views from the Skydeck

The Skydeck is a great place to see all of Chicago from above. It is the 3rd tallest building in the Western Hemisphere! With glass ledge boxes protruding out, you can step out 1,353ft. in the air on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. Unfortunately, when I visited, it was a cloudy day, but I did get lucky and got a kiss from an Irishman.

Visit the Navy Pier

Take a stroll through the historic Navy Pier, one of Chicago’s top attractions. With lots of food and events, this lakefront attraction is a great family-friendly place to visit on your St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Chicago.

Go on A Pub Crawl

This is what almost everyone will be doing for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. There are pub crawls and Irish bars all over the city of Chicago. In almost all the bars and pubs you’ll also find green beer, green vodka, green whiskey, and Irish drinks! Some of the popular pub crawls are River North Bar Crawl, Division Street Bar Crawl, Lincoln Park Bar Crawl, Wrigleyville Bar Crawl, Southside Bar Crawl, and Northwest Chicago Bar Crawl. Just keep in mind there might be long lines and covers to get in some of the places.

Eat Portillo’s Hot Dogs

Portillo’s Hotdogs has multiple locations throughout Chicago. They serve the world-famous Chicago-style hot dog and after trying one, you’ll understand why it’s so good! Also really good after a weekend of drinking for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago!

Visit the Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning landmark and a stunning architectural attraction. The building has magnificent stained-glass domes, one being the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome. There are lots of events that take place like music concerts, dance and theater events, art exhibitions, and family events.

Eat Garrett Popcorn

Garrett Popcorn is another must-try Chicago staple food item. Popping for over 70 years, there are also many locations throughout the city and this makes a great thing to take back home after your trip.