Dyeing of the Chicago River

A tradition since 1962, representatives of the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pour dye into the Chicago River on the morning of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, turning the water a bright shade of green. The dye is vegetable-based, so the river typically reverts to its usual murky shade by the end of the weekend. The Chicago River dyeing takes place between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street, so snag a spot along Upper Wacker Drive for the best sights. For more viewing locations, check out our guide to the best places to watch the Chicago River dyeing.