As winter’s icy grip loosens, Chicago emerges with a fresh energy, ready to welcome visitors with a mix of exciting events, cultural experiences, and the first signs of spring. March in the Windy City is a unique time—it’s when the skyline begins to peek out from the remnants of winter snow, locals swap heavy coats for lighter layers, and the city comes alive with celebrations.
Whether you're looking to revel in the world-famous St. Patrick’s Day festivities, cheer on Chicago’s beloved sports teams, explore iconic landmarks, or savor the city’s diverse culinary scene, March offers something for everyone. And with fewer crowds than peak summer months, you can experience Chicago’s vibrant offerings with more breathing room.
Here’s why March is the perfect time to visit Chicago—and how you can make the most of your stay.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in True Chicago Style
Chicago takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously—so seriously that we don’t just wear green, we turn an entire river into it! The annual dyeing of the Chicago River is one of the most iconic St. Paddy’s Day traditions in the world, drawing thousands of spectators to watch as the water transforms into a striking shade of emerald. For the best views, head to the bridges between Columbus Drive and State Street early, as prime viewing spots fill up fast.
Of course, the celebrations don’t stop there. Chicago hosts multiple St. Patrick’s Day parades, including the grand downtown parade and neighborhood festivities in South Side and Northwest Side. Irish pubs overflow with revelers enjoying live music, Irish dancing, and, of course, plenty of Guinness. Want to take the party to the next level? Consider joining a themed bar crawl, like the Shamrock Shuffle, to experience the city’s lively nightlife with fellow St. Paddy’s enthusiasts.
Sports, Sports, and More Sports
March is a prime month for Chicago sports fans. The United Center becomes the city’s hub of action, hosting both Chicago Bulls basketball games and Chicago Blackhawks hockey matchups. If you're lucky enough to snag tickets, experiencing a live game with passionate Chicago fans is an unforgettable thrill.
Baseball fans also have something to look forward to—March marks the lead-up to MLB Opening Day, and anticipation builds for both the Cubs and White Sox. Even if you can’t catch a game, sports bars around the city are buzzing with energy, offering great food, drinks, and a chance to immerse yourself in Chicago’s love for its teams
Explore Chicago’s Thriving Arts and Theater Scene
March is a fantastic time to experience Chicago’s rich arts scene, especially if you love theater. Broadway in Chicago regularly brings world-class productions to the city, while local venues like the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company showcase incredible performances ranging from classic plays to experimental works.
Music lovers can dive into Chicago’s legendary blues and jazz scene at venues like Buddy Guy’s Legends, Kingston Mines, or the Green Mill, where live performances keep the city’s musical heritage alive. If you're in the mood for something contemporary, check out concerts at the House of Blues or one of the many intimate music venues scattered throughout the city.
Visit Iconic Landmarks Without the Summer Crowds
One of the best perks of visiting Chicago in March? You can explore its iconic attractions without the long lines of peak tourist season.
Willis Tower Skydeck & 360 Chicago – Get breathtaking panoramic views of the city from above—on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of four different states!
Chicago Riverwalk – Stroll along the river and enjoy the first hints of spring as the city wakes up from winter.
Millennium Park & The Bean – Take that classic Chicago selfie in front of "The Bean" (Cloud Gate) without having to elbow your way through a summer crowd.
Navy Pier – While some attractions are seasonal, Navy Pier is still worth a visit for scenic lake views and indoor attractions like the Chicago Children's Museum.
For architecture lovers, a guided Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise (if the weather allows) offers a fascinating perspective on the city's world-renowned skyline.
Chicago’s Culinary Scene: Warm Up with Comfort Food & Global Flavors
March is still cool enough to crave hearty meals, and Chicago’s food scene delivers. Of course, no visit is complete without indulging in deep-dish pizza—Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, and Giordano’s are top choices for this cheesy, gooey Chicago classic.
Looking for something beyond pizza? Chicago’s neighborhoods offer a world of flavors:
Pilsen – Home to some of the city’s best Mexican cuisine, from street tacos to rich mole dishes.
Chinatown – Warm up with a steaming bowl of soup dumplings or a sizzling hot pot experience.
Greektown – Try traditional Greek dishes like saganaki (flaming cheese) and gyros.
West Loop – The city’s culinary hot spot, filled with Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy eateries.
March is also an excellent time to explore Chicago’s thriving coffee culture—cozy cafés like Intelligentsia, La Colombe, and Sawada Coffee offer the perfect spot to warm up and recharge before your next adventure.
Outdoor Fun: Winter’s Last Hurrah & Spring’s First Blooms
While March is still chilly, outdoor fun isn’t off the table. Ice skating season continues at Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon, offering the chance to glide through a winter wonderland before the season ends.
If you’re lucky, you might catch the first signs of spring at the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park or along the Lakefront Trail, where joggers and bikers return as the weather begins to warm.
Why Book Direct? The Smartest Way to Stay in Chicago
With so much happening in March, choosing the right place to stay is key to making the most of your Chicago experience. The Chicago Hotel Collection offers prime locations in the city’s best neighborhoods—whether you're looking to stay near Magnificent Mile, River North, or Wrigleyville.
When you book directly on our website, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits, including:
✔️ The best available rates—guaranteed
✔️ Early check-in and late check-out (based on availability)
✔️ Access to our Guest Benefits Package, featuring exclusive discounts on Chicago attractions
Don’t let March slip away without experiencing all that Chicago has to offer. Book your stay today and save!
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