chicago river dyeing is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at 10 a. m. ET in downtown Chicago as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations unfold across the city. The river will turn a vivid green starting just west of the Columbus Drive bridge and moving east toward Orleans Street, stopping before Wolf Point. Officials are warning of walkway closures and bridge restrictions as spectators gather to watch the color change.
What’s happening and when the river turns green
The City of Chicago’s schedule sets the start time at 10 a. m. ET Saturday, March 14. Organizers say the transformation typically lasts several hours, with the most dramatic shift in the first 30 to 45 minutes after the dye hits the water.
The dyeing begins just west of the Columbus Drive bridge, then stretches east toward Orleans Street, stopping before Wolf Point. Viewing is possible along the river, including from Upper Wacker Drive.
Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 handles the dyeing and uses about 40 pounds of a vegetable-based orange-red powder that turns green once it reaches the river. The formula is described as non-toxic, while the exact recipe is kept secret.
Chicago River Dyeing closures, access points, and safety posture
Expect operational changes near the river and along key crossings. During the dyeing, some bridges will close to spectators, while three bridges are expected to remain open for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic: Columbus, LaSalle, and Orleans.
The Chicago Riverwalk is set to close at 11 p. m. ET Friday, March 13, and remain closed through Saturday. The Riverwalk is scheduled to reopen at 6 a. m. ET Sunday.
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has said the Chicago Police Department will have an increased presence at St. Patrick’s Day events across the city on Saturday, as crowds move between river viewing areas and parade routes.
Weather may be a factor. ABC7 meteorologists have said there is a chance for snow in the forecast as the river is dyed on Saturday.
Immediate reactions: city operations and union role in the dye
OEMC has emphasized bridge impacts during the event, while keeping key crossings moving. OEMC said bridges will be closed during the dyeing, but Columbus, LaSalle, and Orleans will remain open for traffic.
Union involvement remains central to the event. Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 is again set to carry out the dyeing, using the vegetable-based powder that turns green in the water. The City of Chicago has described the formula as non-toxic, with the recipe not publicly disclosed.
Quick context: how this became a signature Chicago ritual
Former Mayor Richard J. Daley originally floated the idea of turning Lake Michigan green, then shifted the plan to the Chicago River. The river dyeing has since become a focal point of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend traditions.
What’s next after the river turns green
After the river event begins at 10 a. m. ET, the day’s schedule continues with major parades and street impacts. The 71st annual Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is set to run along Columbus Drive between Monroe Street and Balbo Drive, with the 2026 theme “Faith, Peace, & Unity, ” inspired by Pope Leo XIV. Street closures for the parade are expected to begin as early as 8 a. m. ET, including Columbus Drive from Roosevelt Road to Wacker Drive and nearby east-west streets within those boundaries.
Additional events include the Shamrock Crawl in Wrigleyville beginning at 8 a. m. ET, plus the South Side Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade stepping off at noon ET. For many attendees, the day starts at the river—then shifts quickly to parade routes and neighborhood gatherings, with chicago river dyeing serving as the opening spectacle that sets the pace for the rest of Saturday.
