St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In Illinois

Illinoisans who plan to join in the global celebration of Irish culture can choose from big and small events, including a parade in several Chicagoland cities.

The March 17 holiday falls on a Tuesday this year, and many big events will be held the weekend of March 14-15. Originally a modest, religious feast day honoring the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day today is a vibrant, boisterous holiday observed by millions of people regardless of their heritage.

As usual, Chicago will celebrate the holiday on the Saturday before by dyeing the Chicago River green, followed by the Downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade along Columbus Drive starting at noon.

We’ve rounded up eight more events to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

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

Here’s your guide to St. Patrick’s Day fun in the Chicagoland:

Orland Park Trolley crawl

Starts at 2 p.m. on March 7 at Coach's Corner at 8118 W 143rd St, Orland Park

Hop on & off a trolley for free to visit all your favorite bars in Orland Park to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

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Tinley Park Irish Parade

March 8 at 1 p.m. in Downtown Tinley Park

Call up your friends and join thousands of other green-garbed gatherers during the 26th annual Tinley Park Irish Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 8 along Oak Park Avenue in Downtown Tinley. Take a spot anywhere from the Subway parking lot at 17219 S. Oak Park Avenue to 179th Street and watch as more than 80 floats, performance groups, vehicles, and more parade past you!

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Catch That Leprechaun! (T) at OLPL

March 10 at 4:30 p.m. at Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 Raymond Ave, Oak Lawn

Ready to catch that sneaky leprechaun for St. Patrick’s Day? Library staff show you how to design your own leprechaun trap! Admission tickets will be distributed at the Youth Services Desk 15 minutes before the start of the program. Visit the library's website at www.olpl.org and view the online event calendar.

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Downtown Joliet Shamrock Stroll

March 13 at 110 N Ottawa St, Joliet

Celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in the heart of Downtown Joliet at the Shamrock Stroll on Friday, March 13, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Gather your friends, wear your green, and enjoy an evening filled with music, food, and festive fun!

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Shamrock and Green River Cruises - St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

March 13 at 8 p.m. at 1559 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

Celebrate on the water with cocktails, skyline views, live DJs, and dancing as you take in Chicago’s famous green river. Tickets are just $20 for a limited time—prices will go up, so grab yours now! For more info, visit www.ChicagoCruiseEvents.com

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Chicago River Dyeing

March 14 at the Chicago River between State and Columbus

The annual Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day (the same day as the downtown parade), this bucket-list event is a beloved tradition that dates back over half a century.

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St Patrick St Joseph Dinner

March 14 at 6 p.m. at 17500 84th Ave, Tinley Park

St Stephen Deacon Martyr is hosting a St Patrick St Joseph Dinner. Italian and Irish Buffet. Adults $20.00 Children 6 to 13 $10.00 age5 and under free. Raffles split the pots, and Entertainment by James Libera. Tickets on sale in Church office.

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Pippin's Tavern 3/17 Paddy's Day with the Larkin & Moran Brothers

March 17 at 12: 15 p.m. at Pippin’s Tavern, 39 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Proper at Pippin’s Tavern, where Irish cheer has been going strong since 1974! Festivities take place on Tuesday, March 17th for a festive afternoon filled with live music, great food, and plenty of Irish spirit.

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