This Chicago tradition takes place every year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the most unique way.

Celebrations

What time does the city of Chicago dye its river green? St. Patrick's Day tradition on March 14 this year

Journalist, AS USA

Oli joined the Latest News team in 2021, taking an interest in economics, world news, and articles that build from his study of history. He also dabbles in sports writing, joining the coverage of the last soccer World Cup as well as European Champions League games. He enjoys playing football, electronic music, and painting miniatures.

Update: Mar 14th, 2026 09:37 EDT

Saint Patrick’s Day is a big celebration for the Irish. It celebrates the feast day of the Romano-British Bishop Patrick who lived in the fifth century. It’s not just Irish people who celebrate it however. Due to many centuries of Irish emigration to America, and the historic links thus fostered, many Americans mark the date on their calendar.

There is so much more to check in Chicago this month even after the River goes green for St. Patrick's Day.

🔗 30+ things to do before March ends!: https://t.co/CJ5GO2LAjZ #NeverOutdoneChi pic.twitter.com/XQLBHpuVKh
— Choose Chicago (@ChooseChicago) March 13, 2026

The cities which take the celebrations most seriously are those with the most Irish heritage, like New York, Boston, and especially Chicago. One special tradition in the Illinois city is the dyeing of the Chicago River bright green, the colour of Saint Patrick.

The first dyeing of the river happened in 1962. The dye itself is not actually green. It is orange but reacts with the water to turn it green.

The Paddy’s Day celebrations were resurrected in the city in 1956. The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band leads the parade to this day.

What time do they dye the river in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day?

This year the event will take place on Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m. local time (11 a.m. ET).

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How long does the color last?

The biodegradable dye needs to be viewed quite quickly; it only lasts for about two days before the river returns to its usual colour.

“We always refer to it as ‘leprechaun dust,’” Tom Rowan, part of one of the two families that create the dye explained to the Sun-Times. “We have never told anybody what it is.”

“Dyeing the Chicago River green perpetuates the notion that it can be treated anyway anyone wants,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “Now more than ever our land and waterways need protection and our traditions need to evolve to reflect that.”

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