40 Fun Things to Do In Chicago in March

Chicago is thriving with fun things to do all year long, but March is when the city starts humming again with visitors for St. Patrick’s Day and spring break. While the city is crowded and rowdy for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, it’s worth going to Chicago in March if you want to experience the city’s culture, restaurants, and museums without the summer rush. As a Chicago resident of nearly two decades, I find that March is a great time to get out and explore the city while still enjoying fewer crowds and more availability. Whether you’re visiting Chicago in March or you live in the Windy City, here are 40 fun things to do in Chicago in March.

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Fun Things to Do in Chicago in March

1. Join me for 312 Day at the Violet Hour! – March 12, 2025

I’m thrilled to host Chicago Bingo at the iconic Violet Hour on March 12 for 312 Day! Test your Chicago knowledge at bingo and enjoy Chicago eats like Italian beef sandwiches, pizza puffs, and Malört specials (because, duh). Get your tickets and see you there!

2. Have a Tasty Spring Break at the Museum of Ice Cream

If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago in March with kids, the Museum of Ice Cream hits the sweet spot. The colorful, whimsical experience is perfect for ice cream lovers of all ages.

3. Stroll Through a Former Tuberculosis Sanitarium

North Park Village Nature Center is a hidden gem on the city’s northwest side. Welcome spring with an easy walk through wetland, prairie, forest, and oak savanna. Read the interesting history behind this sanitarium turned nature center here.

4. Greektown Restaurant Week – March 1-7, 2025

Eat your way through Greece via Chicago’s Greektown during Greektown Restaurant Week. From Artopolis Bakery and Café to Greek Islands Restaurant, the deals and flavors will have you saying opa!

5. Meet a Scientist at the Field Museum – March 7-8, 2025

Meet women scientists at the Field Museum this month. On March 7, Rebecca Banasiak, Field Museum Collections Assistant and Chief Mammals Preparator will discuss the Florida panther and the museum’s conservation initiatives for this endangered species. Shannon O’Brian will speak on March 8 about incredible items from the museum’s collection.

6. North Side Restaurant Week – February 27-March 9, 2025

Neighborhood restaurants from Albany Park to Uptown come together during North Side Restaurant Week to showcase the area’s many flavors. Whether you’re craving Serbian, Mexican, Persian, or Thai Cuisine, you’ll find a reason to chow down with these deals.

7. Dig in to an Underground Donut Tour

See a sweet side of the city on a tour of Chicago’s donut bakeries with the Underground Donut Tour. Don’t worry, you’ll walk off the donuts as you consume them at beloved local spots while taking in the sights of the Loop on this tour. 

8. Honor Women’s History at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

March is Women’s History Month, and it’s the perfect time to visit the free Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Learn about Jane Addams’s work as a social reformer in Chicago immigrant communities that made her the first woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize.

9. Teatro La Plaza’s Hamlet – March 13-23

This take on the Bard blends Shakespeare’s famous play with personal anecdotes from the lives of young performers with Down syndrome in a joyful celebration. Teatro La Plaza’s Hamlet features actors from Lima, Peru for this adaptation at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

10. Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy Performing R.E.M. – March 14, 2025

Chicago’s most intense Oscar winner returns to town for a show at Metro. You won’t want to miss Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy and Friends Performing R.E.M.’s “Fables of the Reconstruction” and more.

11. Free Mudhen Run 5K at Big Marsh Park – March 15, 2025

Celebrate the northern migration of the mudhen, an aquatic bird with long legs and broad toes that allow it to run on water and land. Join the free Big Marsh Mudhen 5k fun run in South Deering and run like a mudhen!

12. Maple Tree Festival at North Park Village Nature Center – March 15-16

Get outside among the trees at this free event celebrating maple trees at the Maple Tree Festival. Learn about the role of maple trees in nature and the maple syrup process—complete with tasting!

13. La Bohème at Lyric Opera – March 15-April 12, 2025

Want more drama than a reality tv show? Try opera. Puccini’s La Bohème spotlights young lovers in the 19th-century Paris art scene complete with more romance and tragedy than the Real Housewives. 

14. Chicago River Dyeing – March 15, 2025

Dyeing the Chicago River green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day is one of the city’s most beloved traditions, starting in 1962! The dyeing will start around 10 a.m. along the Chicago River between State Street and Columbus Drive. Can’t make it in the morning? The river will be running green all day. Learn more about the secret behind dyeing the Chicago River green.

15. Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 15, 2025

If you only see the green river, you’re missing half the fun on Chicago St. Patrick’s Day! Catch the official parade downtown on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive starting at 12:30 p.m. near Grant Park and the Buckingham Fountain. Celebrate along with bagpipers, Irish step dancers, and more!

16. St. Patrick’s Fest at Irish American Heritage Center – March 15, 2025

If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday head to the Irish American Heritage Center in Albany Park. The St. Patrick’s Fest features arts and crafts, Irish music and dance, and a secret bar inside.

17. Avondale St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 15, 2025

Arguably Chicago’s best Irish pub, Chief O’Neill’s is packed for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, buffets, brunches, and live music throughout March. It only made sense for the bar to throw a neighborhood parade! Join the third annual Avondale St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 10 a.m. and stay through Monday to enjoy all of the festivities at Chief O’Neill’s.

18. Chicago Working Families’ Archer Ave. St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 15, 2025

If you thought there was just one St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the Southwest Side, you thought wrong. The Working Families’ Archer Ave. Parade marches through Clearing down Archer Avenue between Oak Park and Narragansett Avenues in a celebration of community.

19. South Side Irish Parade – March 16, 2025

The 47th South Side Irish Parade steps off at 12 p.m. on Sunday. Celebrate as only Beverly can with bagpipers, marching bands, and floats in this community event.

20. Northwest Side Irish Parade – March 16, 2025

The Loop and South Side don’t get to have all the fun on St. Patrick’s Day. The Northwest Side Irish Parade steps off at 12 p.m. at the William J. Onahan School and marches down Neola Avenue and Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue.

21. Wander Down a Wood Block Alley

Did you know that Chicago’s streets were once paved with wood? You can still see a few wood block alleys around the city if you know where to look. Hunt down this piece of history at the restored alley in the Gold Coast or at a few deteriorating, original alleys in Lakeview. 

22. Hop on Big Bus Chicago

Hear me out, bus tours are the perfect way to cover a lot of ground in a city and see the highlights in a short amount of time. Plus, Big Bus Chicago lets you choose to sit inside or on the open-air top level, perfect for Chicago’s unreliable spring weather. If you want to see the Art Institute, Millennium Park, Grant Park and more in one afternoon just hop on.

23. Spirited Women Whiskey Tasting – March 18, 2025

Raise a glass to Women’s History Month with Women Who Whiskey and Angela Salinas of Koval Spirits at Alma in Lakeview. Taste from Koval’s premium small-batch whiskey selection paired with a  whiskey-inspired cheeseboard. Girl dinner anyone?

24. Chi-Town Jazz Festival – March 18-21, 2025

Music rings at venues across town for the Chi Town Jazz Festival. Whatever side of town you live on, you can catch a show at the Jazz Showcase, Copernicus Center, Sabor A Café, and St. Moses the Black Ministry Center.

25. Play at the Chicago Children’s Museum

Need more kid-friendly activities in Chicago? Navy Pier is the what is the #1 tourist attraction in Chicago, and the Chicago Children’s Museum is one of its highlights. Whether your kiddo enjoys digging for dinosaurs, climbing in an enchanted forest, or splashing around, there’s fun for all ages.

26. Savor Lincoln Park – March 19, 2025

Taste your way through Lincoln Park’s favorite restaurants all without leaving Theater on the Lake at Savor Lincoln Park. Sample more than 20 restaurants from Greek to Lebanese to Indian and more.

27. Silent Party Chicago “Pop Yo Sh*t” – March 21, 2025

Just because a party is silent doesn’t mean you can’t pop yo sh*t. The Promontory is calling all twerk queens and R&B divas for this twerk, trap, and R&B Silent Party designed for you to pop it!

28. West Town Restaurant Week – March 21-29, 2025

Enjoy special discounts, offers, and prix fixe menus from more than 20 restaurants at West Town Restaurant Week. Dig into BBQ at Smoke Daddy, sample caviar at Heritage, satisfy your sweet tooth at West Town Bakery, and more!

29. Get Your Putt on at Mini Golf

You can’t predict March weather outdoors in Chicago, but the season is always right for indoor mini golf. Big Putt Mini Golf offers 9-holes complete with a full bar at locations in Wicker Park and Lakeview. In the West Loop, Puttery boasts two courses and four bars.

30. Attend a Film Festival

March is the perfect time of year to cozy up with a good film, and Chicago has multiple film festivals to choose from. The Chicago Irish Film Festival airs at AMC NEWCITY from February 27-March 2 with virtual programming from March 3-9. Head to Highland Park and Skokie from March 1-23 for the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival featuring 19 films that explore Jewish identity. This year’s Chicago European Union Film Festival features Poland, with 20 films from Polish filmmakers at the Gene Siskel Film Center from March 7-20.

31. Holi Celebration at Navy Pier – March 22, 2025

Welcome spring with the traditional Hindu festival of Holi. The colorful Holi event includes live music, dancing, and colorful power in a joyful celebration.

32. Run the Shamrock Shuffle – March 23, 2025

Running the Shamrock Shuffle every spring is one of my favorite Chicago traditions. The 8K race takes you over the Chicago River bridges and through the city’s skyscrapers. I love seeing the city from a new perspective while strangers cheer you on!

33. Free City Wide Symphony Orchestra – March 23, 2025

The Jefferson Park Field House will host the City Wide Symphony Orchestra for a free symphonic music concert in the park district. Enjoy the talents of Chicago musicians of all ages whether you’re a classical music fan or you want to be inspired by a gorgeous symphony.

34. Women in Wine at Bronzeville Winery – March 25, 2025

Bronzeville Winery hosts an evening celebrating women in the wine industry at Women in Wine. The event includes a wine tasting, small bites, and a book signing with wine expert Chasity Cooper.

35. The Other Art Fair – March 27-30, 2025

Whether you’re in the market for some new art or just want to be inspired, browse more than 115 independent artists and buy directly from them at this event. The Other Art Fair, presented by Saatchi Art, returns to Artifact Events in Ravenswood and features mediums from portraiture to ceramics to wood art.

36. Spring Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory – Through May 7, 2025

Whatever the weather outside, Chicago is in bloom at the Garfield Park Conservatory’s spring flower show. “Rooted in Mystery” celebrates the essential, unseen roots of plants and all they do. Learn how plants use their roots to “talk” to each other and admire tulips,  azaleas, hyacinths, snapdragons, and more.

37. Kick it with the Chicago Fire

Football is back, baby. The Chicago Fire FC welcomes MLS fans back to Soldier Field for the 2025 Season. Watch the fire kick the competition under the leadership of new coach Gregg Berhalter now through October.

38. Boots 3 Year Anniversary Party – March 28, 2025

Club nights haven’t been the same since Boots appeared on the Chicago nightlife scene transforming unconventional spaces into dance parties for a monthly pop-up. Don’t miss the Boots 3 Year Anniversary Party at Metro and get your dance on.

39. Get Inked at the Chicago Tattoo Arts Festival – March 28-30, 2025

Are you in the market for some new ink? If you’re not ready to book an appointment you can still show off your sleeve, listen to presentations by the pros, and get ideas for your next tatt at the Chicago Tattoo Arts Festival in Rosemont.

40. Celebrate Women in the Arts at Women Made Gallery

Woman Made Gallery has been spotlighting women and nonbinary artists since 1992, including trans women and femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer artists. The Near West Side gallery exhibits work all year, but the 26th International Open is a great exhibition to catch from March 1-39.

Visiting Chicago in March FAQ

Is March good time to visit Chicago?

March is a good time to visit Chicago as spring weather begins to hit the city. If you’re looking for a party, there’s no bigger event in Chicago than St. Patrick’s Day which is celebrated the weekend before March 17. If you prefer less crowds, visit Chicago any weekend in March except St. Patrick’s Day and you’ll find the city is bustling with events yet not full of visitors. Chicago is also a great option to visit for spring break with its endless iconic attractions and cheaper flights and hotel deals in March (outside of St. Patrick’s Day). With a manageable amount of visitors in March, it’s a great time to snag a trendy restaurant reservation or visit one of Chicago’s top attractions like the Art Institute or Skydeck with a minimal wait.

How cold is Chicago in March?

March in Chicago can be a mix of warm, sunny days (also known as “Fool’s Spring) and late season snowfalls. According to the National Weather Service, the average temperatures in Chicago in March range from a high of 47 degrees to a low of 32 degrees. Snow is always a possibility. The weather often shifts from feeling like spring to winter. Check the forecast before you visit Chicago in the winter, so you know can pack accordingly.

What should I wear to Chicago in March?

If you’re wondering what clothes to wear to Chicago in March, the answer is to check the forecast. Chicago weather in the spring can be unpredictable, and it’s not unusual for it to be 70 degrees and sunny one day and snowing the next day. Check the weather before you visit Chicago in March so you can pack appropriately. I always recommend wearing layers so that you can bundle up while you’re outside (especially near the lake) and still be comfortable indoors.

After nearly two decades of living in Chicago, here are my recommendations for what to wear in Chicago in the winter.

• Chicago is a walking town, so pack comfortable shoes like sneakers or boots.  
• Dress in layers so you can adjust to the different temperatures indoors and outdoors. Merino wool makes a great base layer for men and women. You may want to layer with a women’s flannel or men’s flannel.
• Visiting for St. Patrick’s Day? Don’t forget to pack a green sweater for women and men or a classic piece like a rugby shirt.
• In March, I personally switch from my winter wool coat to a trench coat, leather jacket, or bomber jacket.
• It doesn’t hurt to pack a winter hat and my favorite merino wool gloves. Don’t forget a scarf just in case!

Where to Stay in Chicago in March

Wondering where to stay overnight in Chicago in the winter? If you’re visiting for St. Patrick’s Day, consider a hotel with views of the Chicago River festivities. LondonHouse has great views down the Chicago River and boasts rooftop igloos. For a luxury hotel on the Chicago River, consider the St. Regis Hotel or the Langham Hotel. If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel on the Chicago river, check the rates at the Sheraton Grand, Swisshotel, Hyatt Regency Chicago, or the Westin Chicago River North.

Click here for a full list of Chicago hotels!

If you want to research hotels and vacation rentals for your Chicago visit, this map can help you compare the available options. It’s set to show hotels and rentals in downtown Chicago, but you can view any neighborhood where you’d like to stay.

I hope you’re ready to visit Chicago in March!

Need more information on what to do while you’re in Chicago? Check out all of my Chicago articles and don’t miss my Chicago books Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and Chicago Scavenger!

Find out what to do in Chicago throughout the year:

• Fun Things to Do in Chicago in January
• Fun Things Do in Chicago in February