Although St. Patrick's Day is a week away, the celebrations in Chicago begin much earlier. For the first time since 2019, the Chicago River will be dyed green, and a 65-year-old procession will be held downtown. Both activities will take place on Saturday, after being postponed the previous two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Last year, a select handful were fortunate enough to come upon a spontaneous river dyeing.)
The city expects a large crowd to attend the celebrations, so here's what you should know if you want to attend.
Saturday at 10 a.m., the dyeing of the Chicago River begins.
The Chicago River is colored green the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, unless the event falls on a Saturday, a tradition that will celebrate its 60th year in 2022.
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The dyeing process runs roughly three-quarters of a mile east from Orleans Street to Columbus Drive. It covers a significantly larger area than in the pre-COVID era.
Are you watching from the comfort of your own home? Watch the livestream from WMAQ-Ch. 5.
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Saturday, March 12th is the date.
10 a.m. start time (The river takes about 45 minutes to turn totally green.)
During the season, bridges are closed to spectators.
Saturday at 12:15 p.m., the Downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks out.
Between the completion of the dyeing of the Chicago River and the start of the parade, which is now in its 65th year, there is about a two-hour delay.
Saturday, March 12th is the date.
12:15 p.m. start time
Starting at the intersection of Columbus and Balbo drives, travel north for about a half-mile on Columbus to Monroe Street.
Spectators can only approach the parade route via Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive starting at 10 a.m.
At the procession route's entrances, all bags and handbags will be searched. It is not permitted to bring alcohol, coolers, open beverages, CamelBaks, or personal water bottles.
Are you watching from the comfort of your own home? Watch the live stream from WLS-Ch.7.
Getting into the city
Because of the expected big crowds and traffic closures, organizers recommend giving yourself extra time to get to these events and use public transportation.
Federal regulation requires masks to be worn on public transportation, even if riders are vaccinated.
Guinness 0 is now available in a non-alcoholic version, just in time for St. Patrick's Day. We take a bite — and then make a change.
Chicago Transit Authority is a public transportation system in Chicago.
For information on bus and rail fares, schedules, and maps, go to transitchicago.com.
Lines of rail:
Exit at Lake, Monroe, or Jackson stations on the Red Line.
Exit at Jackson, Monroe, or Washington stations on the Blue Line.
Exit at State/Lake, Washington/Wabash, or Adams/Wabash stations on elevated lines (Brown, Green, Pink, or Orange).
Road closures causing bus reroutes:
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Chicago River dyeing (9-10 a.m.): Wacker Drive will be closed from Orleans Street east to Columbus Drive. Buses will be rerouted to turn north or south of the Chicago River.
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade (12:30-3 p.m.): Columbus Drive will be closed from Monroe Street south to Roosevelt Road.
Unlimited ride passes can be purchased through the Ventra app for $5 or $15 for one day or three days.
Metra
Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center are served by six Metra lines. The BNSF Railway, Milwaukee North, and Milwaukee West lines all arrive and depart at Union Station, which is connected to LaSalle Street Station.
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Ogilvie is where the Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest, and Union Pacific West lines come and depart.
LaSalle Street Station is where the Rock Island line comes and departs.
Use the Ventra app to purchase tickets in advance. At downtown stations, conductors will check tickets before boarding.
There are two weekend-pass options available from Metra. On Saturday or Sunday, unlimited rides are $7. With each fare-paying adult, up to three children under the age of 11 can ride for free. Throughout $10, you may get unlimited rides for the weekend with the Ventra app.
For route timetables and maps, go to metra.com. On Saturday, all Metra trains are alcohol-free. Bicycles are also prohibited on March 12th.
Parking can be reserved ahead of time with SpotHero or Millennium Garages.
Other parades taking place in the city this weekend
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Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Noon on Saturday, March 12.
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South Side Irish Parade: Noon on Sunday, March 13.
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Northwest Side Irish Parade: Noon on Sunday, March 13.