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 views of the action.
One of the biggest annual celebrations in Chicago is right around the corner—that's right, it's almost St. Patrick's Day. Head to the Loop to see the Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130 dye the river green on March 15. If you're hoping to snag a prime spot, we've got some ideas on where to watch. Keep the festivities going later in the day at the St. Patrick's Day parade or some of the best Irish pubs in Chicago, but be sure to save your strength for the South Side Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade the following day. Plus, you'll find a shamrock-themed race and other fun holiday events to keep the Irish spirit going for the whole month of March. So get ready to party like a leprechaun with our roundup of the best St. Patrick's Day events in Chicago.
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