It's the green season again! Chicago's Irish pride runs deep and there's no better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than at the free St. Patrick's Day events at Gallagher Way on March 15.2026. The festivities include activities for all ages during this family-friendly … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way
Holidays
Chicago Southside Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
With a pedigree that reaches back over 46 years, the Southside Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the largest community-focused St. Patrick's Day Parades outside of Dublin. This year's parade marches on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. The parade runs through the Beverly … [Read more...] about Chicago Southside Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago Northwest Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 23rd annual Northwestside Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade gears up at noon on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The parade kicks off at Onahan School, at 6634 W. Raven St. and Neola Avenue south to Northwest Highway and north to Harlem in the Norwood Park neighborhood. This … [Read more...] about Chicago Northwest Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day Cruises from $30
Float along with smiling Irish eyes and hop a St. Patrick's Day Green River Cruise on the Chicago River from March 13-17, 2026. Enjoy skyline views on a three-story luxury yacht while celebrating St. Patrick's Day. View the legendary bright green of the Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Cruises from $30
Dyeing The Chicago River Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Chicago's signature and most unusual St. Patrick's Day event is the beloved tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green. Although the river already has a greenish hue, a secret formula of environmentally friendly dye transforms the waves into a vivid green, worthy of St. Patrick's … [Read more...] about Dyeing The Chicago River Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago's extensive Irish history and heritage will be on glorious display at the downtown Chicago 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade, at 12:15 pm on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This annual event full of floats, music, dancing and fun, is one of the largest St. Patrick's Day … [Read more...] about Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Enjoy all that's jolly and bright during the festive season at the beloved Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier. Slide, skate, ride and soak up holiday fun at this indoor fest from December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Head to Navy Pier's Festival Hall and take in the 420-foot holiday … [Read more...] about Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Whirl around the twirling ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park for the ultimate winter season experience. The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is open every day from November 14, 2025, through March 8, 2026. Roll around the whimsical ice skating ribbon for a more exciting ride than … [Read more...] about Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Handmade Market at Empty Bottle
Head to a classic Chicago tradition to supply your shopping for the holidays and beyond at Handmade Market at the Empty Bottle. This month's market opens on December 14, 2024, but the market returns on the second Saturday of the month through April 2025. Handmade Market connects the makers of … [Read more...] about Handmade Market at Empty Bottle
Light up the Lake at Navy Pier
Chicago's largest indoor light experience is a family fun tradition. Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier from November 29 to January 5, 2025, for lots of interactive activities. Dive into twinkling holiday magic with Light Up The Lakes light displays, games, visits with Santa and more. This … [Read more...] about Light up the Lake at Navy Pier
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Glide under the sparkling beauty of the Chicago skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. The free rink is open from November 15, 2024, through February 2, 2025, weather permitting. Whirling around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink under the city's official … [Read more...] about McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art
Add the colors and traditions of Mexico to your holiday shopping with a visit to the Mercado Navideno at the National Museum of Mexican Art on November 29-December 1, 2024. Explore hand-crafted gifts from Mexico including ornaments, nativity scenes, art, jewelry, apparel and toys. You won't have … [Read more...] about Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art


















Chicago on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at 