Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago during ProMat 2025
Attending ProMat 2025 in Chicago offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the country’s most famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. If you’re arriving early for ProMat this weekend, here’s how you can take part in Chicago’s historic parade and festivities on Saturday, March 15.
Experience the Chicago River Dyeing and St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago’s iconic river dyeing kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on March 15, 2025. The dyeing process begins near Columbus Drive and extends west toward State Street. Following this, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. along Columbus Drive, starting at Balbo Drive and heading north toward Monroe Drive. The parade features colorful floats, Irish dancers, marching bands, and bagpipes.
How to Get to the Parade from McCormick Place
The parade draws crowds and creates street closures in the Loop, so your best course of action might be to hop an “L” Train to watch the parade. The closest station to the McCormick place is at the intersection of Cermak Road and State Street. Board the green line Harlem/Lake bound train and get off at the Adams/Wabash station to get as close as possible the parade. A one way “L” fare is $2.25.
Explore Local Restaurants and Pubs
If you make it downtown to the parade, TimeOut has a great list of restaurants and pubs in the surrounding area including:
• The Gage: a gastropub with a great beer selection and hearty fare.
• The Dearborn: a stylish American tavern that will be serving shepherd’s pie, corned beef & cabbage, whiskey cocktails and more.
• Berghoff Restaurant: a Chicago institution known for its classic German and Irish-inspired dishes.
Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour at the ProMat Pier
After a busy day at ProMat 2025, unwind at the ProMat Pier in Lakeside Hall, where happy hour will take place on March 17 and 18 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Monday’s event will feature a St. Patrick’s Day theme.
Safe travels! We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!
