Things to do in Chicago in March: St. Patrick's Day Parade, Chicago Restaurant Week and more

St. Patrick's Chicago
Photo credit Getty Images

It’s officially March. The end of winter is near and spring will soon be here. The city is coming back to life. The weather is chaotic but there’s no reason you can’t seize every moment. Here’s a list of all the best events you can’t miss this month.

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There’s nothing quite like celebrating St. Patrick's day in Chicago. People from across the country come to take part in the city’s festivities that date back more than 175 years. Come celebrate one of the world’s most iconic St. Patrick’s day traditions – the dyeing of The Chicago River. Chicagoans know the earlier you come the better. The green dyeing kicks off at 9 am on March 12.

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the biggest celebrations in the country. The beauty of the city is the different parades taking place throughout the city’s many neighborhoods. Come celebrate the main parade downtown on Saturday, March 12, the festivities will begin at 12 pm on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive. You can also celebrate with the South Side Irish Parade which will kick off at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western. If your neighborhood is out north, celebrate with the Northwest Side Irish Parade which will take place Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 12:00 pm at 6634 West Raven St, Chicago, IL 60631.

The 23rd Chicago Irish Film Festival​ is another way to celebrate the Irish community this month. The annual festival highlights some of the best independent films created by Irish filmmakers working around the world. This event celebrates Irish diversity and creativity through short, documentary and feature films. The event takes place in-person March 3–6 and virtually through March 7–13. Click here for more information on the festival.

Carnivale is one of the many delights of March. Come celebrate international Carnivale at Navy Pier. There will be music and dance throughout the international event representing traditions from across the world, including Brazil, Italy, Puerto Rico and North America. This free event will include acts from the Chicago Samba, Plena Project presented by Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and the Four Star Brass Band. The event takes place Saturday, March 5 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Chicago’s Restaurant Week is back, the 17-day event highlighting the city’s award-winning culinary scene is another gem during March. The 15th annual event brings together hundreds of Chicago’s top restaurants and represents cuisines from around the globe. Diners will have the opportunity to try these dishes through dine-in or takeout/delivery options. Chicago Restaurant Week 2022 will run from Friday, March 25 – Sunday, April 10. You can learn more about the event here.

Come see the magic of Jurassic Park come to life with the performance of John Williams’ iconic score by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ticket holders are invited to a free pre-concert conversation featuring conductor Richard Kaufman in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. This special event takes place Friday, March 25, 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 3:00 pm.

From the imagination behind the Immersive Van Gogh, Frida: Immersive Dream is a dramatic presentation of Frida Kahlo’s artwork. The 500,000 cubic feet indoor space takes viewers through her life – from pain to triumph – like never before. Tickets are on sale throughout the month, you can learn more about the event here.

More events this month:

Brewsology Beer Fest: March 5 from 6-11 p.m. at the Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago Polar Plunge: March 6
Shamrock the Block: March 12 from 12-6:30 p.m.
Holi at Navy Pier: March 19 from 1-5 p.m.
Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention: March 18-20 at Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

Concerts:

Excision: March 4-5 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.
Clairo: March 10-11 at Riviera Theatre
Bad Bunny: March 10-12 at Allstate Arena
Colbie Calliat: March 13 at 8 p.m. at Athenaeum Theatre
Billie Eilish: March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the United Center
Glass Animals: March 15 at 8 p.m. at Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC
The Eagles: March 19 at 8 p.m. at the United Center
Tom Misch: March 22 at 8 p.m. at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Girl in Red: March 24-25 at Metro Smart Bar
Jazmine Sullivan: March 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Chicago House of Blues

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images