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 Day.

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day river dyeing event splashes off on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. For the best views, arrive between 7 and 8 a.m. and stand on the bridges between State and Columbus Drive or on Upper Wacker or a bridge. The lower riverwalk will be closed.

Photo courtesy of Royal Sonesta

If you want to relax and view the river dyeing from the comfort of indoors, check out a restaurant or riverfront hotel. The Royal Sonesta, I/O Godfrey, The Langham and London House Chicago offer ticketed river-dying parties from their rooftop lounges.

Restaurants that supply great viewpoints include Hoyt’s Chicago, Sweetwater Grille and Tavern, Hardwork Cafe Chicago and Raised an Urban Rooftop and Pizzeria Portofino.

Hopping on a riverboat cruise or even a hot tub boat provides another way to see the bright green river up close. The dye only lasts for about five hours so be sure to snap photos before or after the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade.