Chicago River Goes Green Again as Plumbers Mark St. Patrick’s Day 2026
TL;DR Summary
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.
- Chicago River Dyed Green To Mark St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Block Club Chicago
- Watch the Chicago River turn green for St. Patrick's Day LIVE Saturday morning NBC 5 Chicago
- Chicago's 'rite of passage': Crowds flock to watch river turn emerald green Chicago Sun-Times
- Chicago St. Patrick's Day 2026: Pope Leo-inspired parade route, green river dyeing, where to watch Saturday, March 14 ABC7 Chicago
- St. Patrick’s Day traditions live with green-dyed river and parade Chicago Tribune
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