Downtown News

Chicago River Goes Green Again as Plumbers Mark St. Patrick’s Day 2026

Thousands gathered downtown as the Chicago River was dyed bright green for St. Patrick’s Day—the 64th annual dyeing by Plumbers Local 130. The process began around 9:52 a.m. between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street, using a vegetable-based dye (about 40 pounds) released from boats and stirred by support vessels. The tradition, started in 1962 by Stephen Bailey, has become a citywide symbol that lasts for several days.