Chicago's iconic downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade — 70 years and counting! Colorful floats, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, marching bands, and the legendary Shannon Rovers Pipe Band march up Columbus Dr. Free to watch from the sidewalk, or grab grandstand seats near Buckingham Fountain.
Sat, Mar 14, 2026
Columbus Dr from Balbo Dr to Monroe Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605
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It's totally free to watch from anywhere along Columbus Dr — just show up!Want a guaranteed seat? Grandstand tickets near Buckingham Fountain are ~$40 on Eventbrite!Take the CTA! Blue, Red, Brown, Green, or Orange line to any Loop stop — easy walk to ColumbusRain or shine, this parade happens — so dress for whatever Chicago throws at you!Best spot with kids? Near the start of the route at Balbo — way less hectic!Don't forget ear protection for babies and toddlers — those bagpipes are no joke!Know before you go-with kids
(Coming soon on Google Play!)
