8 Can't-Miss Events This March In The Chicago Area

St. Patrick’s Day, the spring equinox, and full school and work schedules are competing for time with can’t-miss events across the Chicago area in March.

Daylight saving time also begins on March 8, and that means an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day to squeeze in activities.

Events you won’t want to miss include St. Patrick's Day parades, a Bazaar featuring a variety of handmade goodies, the Oak Forest Fleadh and the Manhattan Irish Fest, which brings a parade, 5K, craft fair and more to Manhattan.

Are you planning an event this spring? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are some events to check out in March:

Elmhurst's 28th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

• The parade steps off at noon on March 7, beginning at the intersection of Wilson Street and Spring Roads and continuing north on Spring Road in Elmhurst. The parade features over 80 floats, Irish dancers, bands and more.

Flipside Bazaar at Flipside Brewing in Tinley Park

• The Flipside Bazaar returns from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 1 at the Tinley Park brewery, 7144 183rd St. The bazaar features handmade goods and other one-of-a-kind finds. The curated artist lineup offers an eclectic mix of art, fantasy and handmade craftsmanship.

Plainfield's Hometown Irish Parade

• The parade steps off at 1 p.m. at Plainfield Central High School, winding its way through the center of town and marching along Commercial, Illinois, Lockport and James streets. The annual parade, coordinated by the Village Preservation Association and sponsored by John Greene Real Estate, will feature bagpipers, bands, floats, acrobats and local organizations, which will hand out candy and goodies along the way.

Lemont's 34th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Party

• The parade will begin at 1 p.m., beginning on south Stephen Street and heading west on Main Street. Following the parade, a party will follow from 2 to 4 p.m. at Legion Park, 111 Main St. The Stockyard Kilty Band will open the party and Irish dancers will perform at the gazebo.

Oak Forest Fleadh

• Oak Forest Fleadh returns for its 17th year on March 7. The day is jam-packed with activities, including a 5K and parade. The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Oak Forest, will host the event.

Tinley Park's Irish Parade

• The 26th annual parade steps off at 1 p.m. on March 8, along Oak Park Avenue. The parade features 80 floats, groups, vehicles and more, and brings thousands of people to town. New this year, swing by Harmony Square during the parade to watch pipe and drum bands perform onstage.

Manhattan Irish Fest

• The annual fest returns March 6-7 and features live entertainment, a parade, craft fair, 5K, fun fair, rugby, raffles and more. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. on March 6, and 9 a.m. on March 7.

South Side Irish Parade

• The 47th annual parade steps off March 15 down Western Avenue in Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood. The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has announced Tunnels to Towers Foundation as the 2026 Grand Marshal.