A little lost or confused on the nitty gritty of Chicago’s Parade Day and the river dyeing? Let’s guide you in the right direction. We took the time to surf the web and our contacts to gather all the information you need and put it in one spot for your convenience!
Chicago River Dyeing Details
This year marks the 69th anniversary of the Chicago Plumbers Local 130 dyeing the river green for the St. Patrick’s Day Chicago celebration! Fun fact about the dye formula used on the big day, the dye is used any other day to detect any leaks, its color is actually orange but once dumped into the river it turns into a beautiful emerald green that perfectly represents one of the colors on Irelands flag!
When
March 16th, 2024 at 10:00am CST
Meaning we suggest you get there a little bit early since the crowds are usually heavy each year. Trust us, we wouldn’t tell you to wake up earlier if we didn’t think it was worth it!
Where
All the action takes place between the Columbus and State Street bridges.
The Plumbers and Shoreline Sightseeing will be at work cruising back and forth between this vicinity so everyone can get a look and so the green distributes in the best way possible!
Best Viewing Spots
You don’t have to pay for a good view, along the river on Upper Wacker Drive is a great hub spot to view all the river dyeing buzz especially between the Fairbanks Bridge and Columbus Bridge. Any of these bridges will give you something spectacular, a lot of attendees favor the Michigan Avenue and State Street bridge.
Hoyt’s Chicago is holding an all day free of admission event where you have access to the main room, outside patio and river room to catch the action. Of course there will be festive themed eats too! Reserve your spot here.
Along the river, Big Bar located in the Hyatt Regency will be having drink and food menus catered to the holiday! Stop by for live performances!
There are still some options left to purchase but act quick as they are fast to sell out! RPM Seafood has general admission tickets which includes front row view of the river dyeing, premium bar package, passed appetizers, a brunch buffet, seafood stations, a DJ, and access to all three floors!
Pizzeria Portofino is also hosting their own kick off to the day! They will be serving passed around appetizers, signature cocktails, have a DJ, and pizza stations!
After the Plumbers Union has done their magic this becomes your chance to hop on a boat ride and cruise along the green river at its peak greenness on our Chicago Architecture River Tour. But don’t worry if you can’t make it out, the river stays dyed green for a couple of days after so you can visit us anytime during the week to get the last glimpses!
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Details
The Chicago Parade is kicking off shortly after the end of the river dyeing. It’s one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The Shannon’s Rover’s Irish Pipe Band, they have been part of this tradition since day one! Cue the marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, festive floats and much more!
When
March 16th, 2024 at 12:15pm
The parade will be just as busy as the river, people like to set up camp earlier to get a good viewing spot!
Where
The participants of the parade will be walking along Columbus Drive starting at Balbo Drive heading North to Monroe Drive.
It will last approximately three hours.
Getting There
Foot traffic is going to be heavy this day along with different street closures, we recommend making your way into the city with enough time to account for traffic, any delays, and of course to get a good view! Making use of the CTA is a great idea, there are numerous areas of pickup and drop offs near both the parade and river dyeing vicinity that are walking distance.
What’s After the Parade?
Your day doesn’t, and shouldn’t, have to end that early. No one likes to cut the fun that early! Lucky for you, there are plenty of activities for you to do.
Once the river dyeing has come to an end, we are disembarking for our Chicago Architecture River Tour for customers to get as close to the green river as possible! We are having our water taxis come out of hibernation for the day to help you make your way to Navy Pier! They are running between Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier all day on the 16th from 12:30 – 6:00pm every 30 minutes. We will be selling tickets on site at both locations for $5 for adults $3 for kids one way or $8 for adults, $5 for kids round trip.
Restaurants at Navy Pier are also celebrating by having fun themed eats, drinks, and activities. The Beer Garden at the East End of the Pier will be hosting a watch party for rugby games happening throughout the day. Visit Navy Pier’s website for more information on what they have to offer for you, your family, friends, and everyone! Lake Michigan might not be dyed green, but it does still offer a great panoramic view of the Windy City and you can see for yourself on our 40 minute Skyline Lake Tour.
Phew! There ya go, everything you need to know and more about Chicago’s Parade Day and the river dyeing tradition! Hope to see you out there in your best celebratory attire! Look for us on the river and stop by to cruise along with us throughout the weekend!
