About the Parade

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans and visitors line the streets of downtown Chicago to celebrate Irish heritage, culture, and community. The parade is a spectacular display of floats, marching bands, Irish dance troupes, bagpipers, and community organizations — all processing down Columbus Drive in a pageant of green and gold.

The celebration extends far beyond the parade itself. The morning begins with the world-famous dyeing of the Chicago River, a tradition that dates back to 1962 when members of the Chicago Plumbers Union first poured green dye into the river. Today, the emerald river has become one of Chicago's most iconic images, drawing visitors from around the world.

The Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee works year-round to organize this beloved celebration. The committee is comprised of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about preserving and promoting Irish heritage in the Chicago area. From securing corporate sponsors to coordinating parade logistics, the committee ensures that each year's parade is bigger and better than the last.

The parade is more than an event — it's a reflection of the deep roots the Irish community has planted in Chicago. From the earliest Irish immigrants who helped build the city's infrastructure to today's thriving Irish-American community, the parade celebrates the enduring contribution of Irish Americans to the fabric of Chicago.