The Chicago River Turns Green Soon—Here’s How to See It
If St. Patrick’s Day is your jam, then you know Chicago is the place to be to celebrate the greenest day of the year. Every March, thousands of visitors travel to the city to watch one of the most famous holiday traditions in the country—the dyeing of the Chicago River.
When the Chicago River Turns Green for St. Patrick’s Day
This year, the river will be dyed bright emerald green on March 14, kicking off one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States. The dyeing begins promptly at 10 a.m. and only lasts a short time, so arriving early is key if you want a great view.
Best Places to Watch the Chicago River Dyeing
If you want to see the river transformation up close, some of the best viewing spots include:
- Michigan Avenue Bridge
- Chicago Riverwalk
- State Street Bridge
- Columbus Drive Bridge
- Bridges and walkways along the Chicago River downtown
Crowds start gathering well before the event begins, so visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a good viewing location.
Why Chicago Dyes the River Green
The tradition dates back decades and is part of the city’s celebration of its strong Irish heritage. The eco-friendly dye used today keeps the river safe while still creating the bright green color that has become famous around the world.
In addition to the river dyeing, Chicago hosts a massive St. Patrick’s Day parade along with dozens of Irish-themed events, parties, and pub celebrations throughout the city.
Is It Worth Seeing the Chicago River Turn Green?
It might already be too late to plan a last-minute trip for this year’s celebration, but if you ever get the chance, it’s absolutely worth seeing in person.
I made the mistake of visiting Chicago during St. Patrick’s Day weekend a few years ago, and it was a complete madhouse. Still, watching the river turn green is one of those bucket-list experiences you have to see at least once.
Just be prepared: the crowds are huge, the energy is high, and there will definitely be plenty of people celebrating the holiday with a drink in hand.
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