March is certainly a celebratory time in Chicago, as the temperatures start to warm up and every weekend is packed with events. Watch the river turn green for St. Patrick’s Day, catch a concert or comedy show, celebrate Women’s History Month, explore a new museum exhibit, see a spring flower show, and so much more. Check out our list of favorite Chicago activities and events to enjoy this March 2025.
Top events in Chicago this March
Chicago Fire home opener (March 1): Soccer fans should head to Soldier Field for the Chicago Fire home opener against D.C. United.
Chicago Irish Film Festival (through March 9): This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Chicago Irish Film Festival, which brings some of the year’s best films from Irish filmmakers to Chicago audiences.
Chicago Artisan Market (March 9): Spring forward at this Sunday market, featuring some of Chicago’s best local vendors and their handmade goods, art, jewelry, food, fashion, and more.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade and river dyeing (March 15): There’s no doubt Chicago is the place to be when celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t miss the annual green river dyeing followed by the St. Patrick’s Day parade downtown.
St. Patrick’s Fest at Irish American Heritage Center (March 15): This fun-filled day includes traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, an arts and crafts fair, and more.
Spring Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory (through March): The annual spring flower show explores the mystery of roots, while also showcasing a beautiful, bloom-filled conservatory.
South Side Irish Parade (March 16): Enjoy a procession of Irish floats, bagpipes, marching bands, and more in the neighborhood’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Holi at Navy Pier (March 22): This free cultural celebration brings the colors and traditions of Holi to the lakefront, including the iconic powder throwing.
Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden (through March 23): The Chicago Botanic Garden is going all out for its annual orchid show, featuring hundreds of delicate blooms.
More events in Chicago this March
Charm’d pop-up experience (throughout March 17): Visit this Wrigleyville pop-up bar with over-the-top wall-to-wall decor, plus themed bites and green cocktails to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
International Carnivale at Navy Pier (March 1): Experience the many ways that Carnivale is celebrated around the world at this free event.
Greektown Restaurant Week (March 1 – 7): Celebrate Chicago’s wide array of Greek cuisine during Greektown Chicago Restaurant Week, when you’ll find discounts and special offers at classic restaurants and bars.
Let’s Talk Womxn More Than March Bash (March 2): Join Let’s Talk Womxn Chicago for their annual celebration, featuring tasting stations, cocktails, music, a drag show, and more.
Music of the Baroque at Kehrein Center for the Arts (March 4): Jonathan Woody will perform songs by 17th- and 18th-century composers alongside a live orchestra as a free special performance for music lovers.
Psych Fest at The Hideout (March 7 – 9): This 15th annual event at The Hideout puts a spotlight on psych pop, avant drone, synthy soundscapes, cosmic jazz, and more.
Uncorked Wine Fest (March 8): Enjoy an after-hours experience at the Field Museum and sip, savor, and celebrate over 100 wines while exploring the museum’s fascinating exhibits.
Winter Whiskey Tasting at Morton Arboretum (March 8): Sip a selection of whiskeys while enjoying cozy fire pits and open-air patios throughout this sprawling green space.
Nicole Mitchell Trio at Hyde Park Art Center (March 9): Enjoy a special performance of the Nicole Mitchell Trio at this contemporary art space.
Avondale St. Patrick’s Parade (March 15): The legendary Chief O’Neill’s Irish pub hosts this third-annual event in the Avondale neighborhood.
Chicago Mahogany Tours (multiple dates): Join Chicago’s urban historian on a tour of a historic Bronzeville neighborhood to discover fascinating stories and landmarks of the city’s Black Metropolis.
The Joffrey Ballet at Museum of Contemporary Art (March 14 – 23): Catch the world premiere of five new works from African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American artists, presented by the prestigious Joffrey Academy of Dance.
Maple Tree Festival at North Park Village Nature Center (March 15 – 16): This free event celebrates maple trees and includes observation (and tasting) of the maple syrup process.
JoJo at the Ramova Theatre (March 15): Catch this chart-topping artist fresh off the heels of her best-selling memoir and new EP.
St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way (March 16): Enjoy all-ages fun outside Wrigley Field with live Irish dancing and bagpipe performances, face painting, balloon artists, and of course, green beer and Irish coffee for the adults.
Chi-Town Jazz Festival (March 18 – 21): This annual multi-day celebration includes vibrant live jazz performances at venues across the city.
Chicago Blackhawks at United Center (various dates): There’s nothing like the energy at the United Center when the legendary Chicago Blackhawks are out on the ice.
Savor Lincoln Park (March 19): Sip and savor your way through some of Lincoln Park’s most beloved restaurants with this indoor food festival at Theater on the Lake.
Betrayal at The Goodman Theatre (through March 23): The Goodman Theatre presents this major revival featuring Oscar-winner Helen Hunt, just extended due to popular demand.
Chicago Bulls at the United Center (various dates): Catch the iconic basketball team play on their home court all month long.
Butterfly Haven Yoga (various dates): Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga practice inside the peaceful Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, as live butterflies flutter overhead.
Epiphany Center for the Arts (through March): An arts center housed in a former church, Epiphany offers free live music and happy hour specials in its cafe bar each week.
Black Creativity Night at the Museum of Science and Industry (March 21): This adults-only event celebrates Black creativity in all its forms, with art, performances, and a dance floor.
Shamrock Shuffle (March 23): Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, the Shamrock Shuffle returns to downtown Chicago in a sea of green for an 8k run or 2-mile walk starting in Grant Park.
If Uganda Was America at The Renaissance Society (through March): This site-specific installation is the first in the United States for Wakaliga Uganda, known as Uganda’s Tarantino.
A Raisin in the Sun at Court Theatre (through March 23): The first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway takes the stage at this Tony Award-winning theatre in Hyde Park.
Chicago Flamenco Festival (through March 24): Now in its 23rd year, this annual event at the Instituto Cervantes Chicago celebrates flamenco as a multi-cultural art form.
Chicago White Sox home opener (March 27): Baseball season kicks off at Rate Field in Bridgeport with the White Sox home opener against the Los Angeles Angels.
The Other Art Fair at Artifact Events (March 27 – 30): Browse original works from 115+ emerging and independent artists at this leading art fair.
Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris at Art Institute of Chicago (opens March 29): Don’t miss the first-ever exhibition of Kahlo’s work at one of the most renowned art museums in the world.
