How to Watch the 2025 St. Paddy’s Day Parade in Chicago

Mar 5, 2025

This year is the 70th incredible year of the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Chicago! To celebrate, we’ll be sharing some of the best places to watch it along with other fun ways to celebrate the occasion! The Chicago St Paddy’s Day Parade is the largest of its kind in the whole US, and we’re very proud of that fact. We’ll be covering where to catch the parade, more information about VIP access, and recommendations for local Irish eateries afterwards. It’s all right here on today’s blog.

Guests of Honor for 2025

This year’s parade theme is “Trades, Technology, and Education” highlighting apprenticeship programs, education and state-of-the-art training for the United Association (UA) and Plumbers Local 130. This year’s Parade Guest of Honor is Mary Ellen Caronm, Ph. D., CEO of After School Matters. The Parade’s Grand Marshal will be Mark McManus, General President of United Association. This year’s 2025 Chicago st. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen is Cara Walsh

About the Parade

Local law enforcement would like parade viewers and guests to know that there will be additional security and security processes on parade day to help ensure a family-friendly, safe environment for all. As a result, entry to the parade route opens at 11AM and will only be permitted via Jackson Ave and Ida B Wells.

If you’d like to catch the river dyeing, you’ll want to get a spot along the Michigan Avenue Bridge, between Columbus Drive and State Street before 10AM. And the best views are from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks. Please note, businesses along the Riverwalk will be closed on Parade Day, and the stairwells leading to the lower riverwalk will be closed.

Public transportation to and from the parade is recommended due to the high volume of visitors and parade viewers, and multiple street closures; CTA train stations in the Loop are walking distance from the parade procession route. The parade kicks off at Balbo and Columbus and proceeds north on Columbus Drive with the viewing stand at Buckingham Fountain.

The main Viewing Stand is located at the Buckingham Fountain, and this is where dancers and bands will pause to wave to attendees, so you’ll want to arrive early to secure the best spot. Grandstand VIP Seating is $65/seat to be purchased in advance, and the grandstand will open at 10:30AM. March 7th at 8AM is the last day to purchase VIP tickets no refunds will be given, and ticket + ID is required for entry.

Security will be checking bags and personal items such as purses; note that coolers, alcohol of any kind, open beverages, and personal water bottles won’t be allowed.

The Northwest Side Irish Parade will be taking place on March 16th 2025 at 12PM starting between Northwest HWY and Raven. Parade participants will arrive at 10AM, and the parade will kick-off at 12PM for bystanders and onlookers. Check out their Facebook Page for more information.

The Southside Irish Parade will be on March 16th 2025 starting at 12PM and will kick off at 103rd and Western Avenue, and march south to 115th and Western. The parade is approximately two hours long , and full event details, including events before and after, can be viewed on their website.

May every petal of the shamrock bring you joy and good luck

We hope you all have a happy, fun, and safe trip to the parade this year.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Classic Auto Group