when are they dying the chicago river 2026

They’re scheduled to dye the Chicago River green on Saturday, March 14, 2026 , as it’s traditionally done on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day.

Key details for 2026

• Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026.

• Why that date? The river dyeing is customarily held on the Saturday before March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day), and in 2026 that Saturday is the 14th.

• General timing: The dyeing typically happens in the morning , often around 10 a.m., and the river stays bright green for several hours.

How people are planning around it

• A Chicago local on a forum confirms it’s “consistently the Saturday preceding March 17th,” and explicitly calls out March 14, 2026 for that year.

• An event listing for a St. Patrick’s river-dyeing party in Chicago is also set for Saturday, March 14, 2026 , matching that tradition.

Quick tips if you’re going

• Expect big crowds along the river and downtown; many visitors come specifically to see the dyeing.

• Popular viewing spots include upper Wacker Drive near the main branch of the river, which offers elevated views.

• The dye is described as plant‑based and temporary , and the river usually returns to its normal color later the same day.

TL;DR: For “when are they dying the Chicago River 2026,” plan on Saturday, March 14, 2026 , in the morning , and get there early if you want a good view.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.