Discover Chicago’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Day: Pope Leo Tribute Parade, River Dyeing, and Best Viewing Spots for March 14

CHICAGO (WLS) — This weekend, the Windy City gears up for its legendary St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 is all set to transform the Chicago River into a brilliant shade of green starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. This colorful tradition will occur just west of the Columbus bridge, nestled between Orleans and Wolf Point.

While the river undergoes its annual makeover, some bridges will be temporarily shut down, according to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC). However, vehicles will still be able to cross via the Columbus, LaSalle, and Orleans bridges.

For those planning to stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, keep in mind it will be closed from 11 p.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Spectators can enjoy the vibrant spectacle from Upper Wacker Drive, offering prime views of the river’s transformation.

On the weather front, ABC7 meteorologists predict the possibility of snow on Saturday, which could add a touch of winter magic to the river dyeing event.

ABC7 Chicago will broadcast the parade live, with special coverage hosted by Rob Hughes, Stephanie Wade and Greg Dutra from noon to 2 p.m.

The 71st annual Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will run along Columbus Drive between Monroe Street and Balbo Drive.

The 2026 theme “Faith, Peace, & Unity” is inspired by Pope Leo XIV.

Street closures for the parade will begin as as early as 8 a.m. including Columbus Drive from Roosevelt Road to Wacker Drive and east/west streets in those boundaries.

Streets within the boundary of Monroe Street between Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed.

OEMC said the Chicago Police Department will have an increased presence at all St. Patrick’sDay events across the city on Saturday.

Here are others events happening this weekend:

Saturday, March 14:

Shamrock Crawl – Wrigleyville: The bar crawl begins at 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. OEMC said street closures will begin at 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. at N. Clark Street (1100-1160), N. Clark Street (3450-3600), W. Eddy Street (1100-1160), and N. Seminary Avenue (3505-3525).

Sunday, March 15:

South Side Irish Parade: The South Side Irish Parade steps off at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western Avenue. Expect parking restrictions on both sides of the street from 103rd to 112th Streets along Western Avenue. Street closures along the parade route as well as the staging area may begin as early as 7 a.m. The parade is expected to end at 4 p.m., the disbanding area is located on Western Avenue from 115th to 119th Streets.

Northwest Side Irish Parade : The parade steps off at noon at Onahan School, at 6634 W. Raven St. proceeding south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway and north to Harlem Avenue. Northwest Highway will be closed to vehicles at 9am. Parking restrictions are in effect along the route beginning at 7 a.m. Both sides of the street on Neola, Raven, Northwest Highway, Normandy Avenue, Imlay, Neva, Palatine and Natoma along the route will be affected.