Things To Do
Dyeing the Chicago River Green
Welcome to Chicago! You are visiting during St. Patrick's Day weekend! The River Dyeing takes place at 10 AM on Saturday morning downtown. Please enjoy the festivities, but be mindful of heavy traffic and road/bridge closures when traveling to our ceremony at 4:30 PM. The best place to watch the green river dyeing is along the Chicago River between State and Columbus. Spectators can watch from Upper Wacker. Guests should arrive by 9:00 AM if they want a view from the bridges. The lower Riverwalk will be closed except for select ticketed events. Just be sure to make it to the Bridgeport Art Center 1200 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609, before the ceremony starts at 4:30 PM. Expect heavy traffic, crowds, and bridge closures.
St. Patricks Day Parade
Steps off at 12:15 PM. One of the largest Irish parades in the country, this is a three-hour spectacle of colorful floats, Irish step dancers, and marching bands (including the famous Shannon Rovers bagpipers). The route runs north along Columbus Drive through Grant Park, right in the center of the festivities. It’s loud, joyful, and quintessential Chicago. Remember our ceremony begins at 4:30 PM at the Bridgeport Art Center. Do Not Stay Until the End: The parade can last 3 hours. If you attend, we recommend watching the first hour and leaving by 1:30 PM to head back to your hotel to change. Traffic Warning: Getting out of downtown after the parade will be difficult due to road closures and heavy crowds. Uber/Lyft wait times and prices will likely be surging. Travel to Venue: Bridgeport Art Center is about 4-5 miles south of downtown. On a normal day, this is a 15-minute drive, but on St. Patrick's Day, please allow at least 45–60 minutes to secure a ride and get through traffic.
Field Museum
Home to Sue, the world’s most famous T. rex, and Máximo, a massive Titanosaur that greets you at the door, the Field Museum is a must for natural history lovers. Located on the beautiful Museum Campus, it offers millions of years of history—from ancient Egyptian tombs to the hall of gems. It’s a perfect spot for families or anyone looking to get lost in the wonders of the ancient world.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Guarded by the iconic bronze lions on Michigan Avenue, this is consistently rated one of the best museums in the world. It houses an incredible collection, including the largest number of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris (look for Ferris Bueller’s favorite: A Sunday on La Grande Jatte). Whether you wander the classic galleries or the stunning Modern Wing, it’s an unforgettable cultural experience right in the heart of downtown.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Recently renamed from the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). Located in Hyde Park, this is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere and a favorite for all ages. It’s hands-on and immersive—you can descend into a real coal mine, walk through a captured WWII German submarine (U-505), or control a 40-foot tornado in Science Storms. It’s much further south than the others, but absolutely worth the trip.
The Bean (Cloud Gate)
You can't visit Chicago without seeing the city's most recognizable selfie spot. Located in the heart of Millennium Park, Anish Kapoor’s massive, polished steel sculpture reflects the entire skyline (and you!) in a fun-house mirror effect. It is free to visit and sits right near the Art Institute, making it an easy addition to your downtown sightseeing loop.
Navy Pier
Jutting over 3,000 feet into Lake Michigan, this is one of the Midwest's top tourist destinations. It offers panoramic views of the city skyline and lake that are hard to beat. The centerpiece is the Centennial Wheel, which lifts you nearly 200 feet in the air. Since the gondolas are enclosed and climate-controlled, you can enjoy the incredible views comfortably even if the March lake breeze is chilly. Inside the pier, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and places to grab a drink.
Sears Tower (Willis Tower) - Observation Deck
While locals will always call it the Sears Tower, guests will need to look for "Willis Tower" on their maps. The observation deck on the 103rd floor offers views spanning up to four states on a clear day. The main attraction here is "The Ledge"—glass boxes that extend 4.3 feet out from the building, allowing you to look straight down 1,353 feet to the street below. It is the quintessential Chicago thrill for those brave enough to step out.
Architecture River Cruise
Since our wedding coincides with Chicago's St. Patrick's Day celebration, this isn't just a tour, it's a front-row seat to one of the world's most unique traditions! You’ll cruise down the newly dyed emerald green river while learning about the city's iconic skyline. Pro-Tip: These specific cruises sell out months in advance. If you want to see the green river from the water, book your tickets immediately. Look for "St. Patrick's Day" or "Green River" specific cruises on Wendella, Shoreline Sightseeing, or Chicago's First Lady. Just watch out for Dave Matthews!
Lou Malnati's
Many locations. You can’t come to Chicago without trying deep dish, and Lou’s is our absolute favorite. Order the "Deep Dish Malnati Chicago Classic." It has a layer of lean sausage that covers the entire pizza, topped with extra cheese and their famous vine-ripened tomato sauce. Authentic deep dish takes about 45 minutes to bake. Pre-order or put your pizza order in the moment you sit down. Enjoy!
Portillo's
Many locations. Chicago street food with a 50's diner vibe. Dan always gets the beef & cheddar croissant, but you really can't go wrong here. Even the salads are good, but you didn't travel all the way to Chicago for a salad! You have to try a Chicago-style hot dog with everything on it. Order those cheese fries. How can it be bad for my heart if I'm in love with it?
Base Community Cafe
Thinking of arriving to the wedding early? The Base Community Cafe (a.k.a. 8a5e) is on the first floor of the Bridgeport Art Center. They have coffee and a limited menu of sandwiches.