Chicago Events March 2024: A Guide to the Windy City's Top Happenings

As the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, Chicago comes alive with a vibrant calendar of events. From cultural festivals and art exhibitions to sporting events and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Windy City during the month of March. Here’s a guide to some of the top events happening in Chicago in March 2024:

Chicago is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, and March is a great time to experience it. The Chicago Cultural Center hosts a variety of free events throughout the month, including concerts, dance performances, and art exhibits. The Art Institute of Chicago is another must-see for art lovers, with a world-renowned collection that spans centuries and cultures.

With so much to see and do, Chicago in March is a great time to explore all that the Windy City has to offer.

Chicago Events March 2024

Experience the Windy City’s vibrant culture, arts, and entertainment.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago Flower & Garden Show
Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Chicago Architecture Center Open House
Chicago International Film Festival
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
RISE Chicago Fashion Week
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 5K

From parades and festivals to sports and cultural events, March in Chicago is packed with excitement.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of Chicago’s most iconic and beloved annual events. It’s a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, and it draws huge crowds of spectators every year.

Date and Time:
Saturday, March 16, 2024, 12:00 PM
Route:
The parade starts at Balbo Avenue and Columbus Drive, and it travels north along Columbus Drive to Monroe Street.
What to Expect:
The parade features a variety of floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, and other performers. You can also expect to see plenty of people dressed in green and waving Irish flags.
Tips for Spectators:
Arrive early to get a good spot along the parade route. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on, and dress in layers in case the weather is cold. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture all the festive sights and sounds.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a great opportunity to experience Chicago’s Irish culture and heritage. It’s a fun and festive event that’s enjoyed by people of all ages.

Chicago Flower & Garden Show

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show is a springtime tradition that celebrates all things green and growing. This annual event features hundreds of exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations dedicated to gardening, landscaping, and floral design.

Date and Time:
March 14-18, 2024, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location:
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
What to Expect:
The show features a variety of exhibits, including stunning floral displays, garden designs, and educational exhibits. There are also workshops and demonstrations on topics such as gardening, landscaping, and floral design. Plus, there are plenty of vendors selling plants, flowers, and gardening supplies.
Tips for Visitors:
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Bring a camera to capture all the beautiful displays. If you’re planning to buy plants or flowers, bring a wagon or cart to help you carry them. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show is a great place to get inspired for your own garden, learn about the latest gardening trends, and shop for plants and gardening supplies. It’s a fun and educational event for people of all ages.

Shamrock Shuffle 8K

The Shamrock Shuffle 8K is a festive and popular race that takes place on St. Patrick’s Day weekend every year. The race attracts runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, and it’s a great way to celebrate the holiday and get some exercise at the same time.

Date and Time:
Sunday, March 17, 2024, 8:00 AM

Location:
The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, near the Buckingham Fountain. The course winds its way through the park and along the lakefront, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

What to Expect:
The Shamrock Shuffle 8K is a well-organized and festive event. Runners and walkers can expect to see plenty of green along the course, as well as live music and entertainment. There are also plenty of food and drink vendors at the finish line.

Tips for Participants:
Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable in Chicago in March. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you can move easily in. Arrive early to get a good spot in the starting corral. And don’t forget to have fun!

The Shamrock Shuffle 8K is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and get some exercise at the same time. It’s a fun and festive event that’s enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

Chicago Architecture Center Open House

The Chicago Architecture Center Open House is a free event that offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the city’s most iconic buildings. This annual event takes place over two days in March, and it features tours of buildings that are not normally open to the public.

Date and Time:
Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, 2024, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Participating Buildings:
The list of participating buildings varies each year, but it typically includes a mix of historic landmarks, modern skyscrapers, and hidden gems. Some past participants have included the Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Harold Washington Library Center.
What to Expect:
During the Open House, you can take self-guided tours of the participating buildings. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide additional information. You can also learn about Chicago’s architecture and history through exhibits and presentations.
Tips for Visitors:
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Bring a camera to capture all the interesting architecture. And be sure to arrive early to avoid long lines.

The Chicago Architecture Center Open House is a great opportunity to learn about Chicago’s rich architectural heritage and see some of the city’s most iconic buildings from the inside. It’s a free and educational event that’s enjoyed by people of all ages.

Chicago International Film Festival

The Chicago International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the United States. It showcases a diverse range of films from around the world, including documentaries, feature films, and short films.

Date and Time:
March 14-24, 2024
Venues:
The festival takes place at various venues across the city, including the AMC River East 21, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Gene Siskel Film Center.
What to Expect:
The festival features a wide variety of films, including award-winning films from major film festivals, independent films, and documentaries. There are also special events, such as filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, and parties.
Tickets:
Tickets for the festival go on sale in February. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the film. You can purchase tickets online or at the box office of the jeweiligen theater.

The Chicago International Film Festival is a great opportunity to see some of the best films from around the world. It’s also a great way to learn about different cultures and perspectives.

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States. It’s a single-elimination tournament that determines the national champion of college basketball.

Date and Time:
The tournament takes place over three weeks in March. The First Four games are played on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by the first and second rounds on Thursday and Friday. The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games are played the following weekend, and the Final Four is played the following weekend.
Venues:
The tournament is played at various venues across the country. The First Four games are played at two sites, and the remaining rounds are played at 16 different sites. The Final Four is always played at a domed stadium.
What to Expect:
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is a thrilling event with high-stakes games and exciting finishes. The tournament is also a great opportunity to see some of the best college basketball players in the country.
Tickets:
Tickets for the tournament go on sale in March. Prices vary depending on the location of the games and the round of the tournament. You can purchase tickets online or through the jeweiligen ticket office.

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is a great opportunity to experience the excitement of college basketball. It’s a tournament that’s sure to provide plenty of memorable moments.

RISE Chicago Fashion Week

RISE Chicago Fashion Week is a four-day event that celebrates the best of Chicago’s fashion scene. The event features runway shows, pop-up shops, and panel discussions with industry experts. It’s a great opportunity to see the latest trends in fashion and to learn about the creative process behind the clothes we wear.

Date and Time:
March 21-24, 2024

Location:
Various venues across Chicago, including the Merchandise Mart and the Cultural Center.

What to Expect:
RISE Chicago Fashion Week features a variety of events, including runway shows, pop-up shops, and panel discussions. The runway shows feature the latest collections from local and international designers. The pop-up shops offer a chance to purchase unique and stylish items from local boutiques and designers. And the panel discussions provide an opportunity to learn about the creative process behind the clothes we wear.

Tickets:
Tickets for RISE Chicago Fashion Week go on sale in February. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the event. You can purchase tickets online or at the box office of the jeweiligen venue.

RISE Chicago Fashion Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the best of Chicago’s fashion scene. It’s an event that’s sure to inspire and excite fashion lovers of all ages.

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 5K

The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 5K is a festive and popular race that takes place on St. Patrick’s Day morning. The race attracts runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, and it’s a great way to celebrate the holiday and get some exercise at the same time.

Date and Time:
Saturday, March 17, 2024, 8:00 AM

Location:
The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, near the Buckingham Fountain. The course winds its way through the park and along the lakefront, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

What to Expect:
The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 5K is a well-organized and festive event. Runners and walkers can expect to see plenty of green along the course, as well as live music and entertainment. There are also plenty of food and drink vendors at the finish line.

The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 5K is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and get some exercise at the same time. It’s a fun and festive event that’s enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicago Events March 2024:

Question 1: What are some of the most popular events happening in Chicago in March 2024?
Answer 1: Some of the most popular events happening in Chicago in March 2024 include the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, the Chicago Architecture Center Open House, the Chicago International Film Festival, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, RISE Chicago Fashion Week, and the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 5K.

Question 2: When is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
Answer 2: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Question 3: Where can I get tickets for the Chicago International Film Festival?
Answer 3: Tickets for the Chicago International Film Festival go on sale in February. You can purchase tickets online or at the box office of the jeweiligen theater.

Question 4: What should I wear to the Chicago Architecture Center Open House?
Answer 4: Dress comfortably, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Wear shoes that you can walk in easily.

Question 5: Can I bring my children to the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 5K?
Answer 5: Yes, you can bring your children to the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 5K. The race is open to all ages and abilities.

Question 6: What are some tips for attending the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament?
Answer 6: Arrive early to get a good seat. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Bring snacks and drinks, as food and drinks can be expensive at the arena.

Question 7: How can I find out more about upcoming events in Chicago?
Answer 7: You can find out more about upcoming events in Chicago by visiting the Choose Chicago website or by following Choose Chicago on social media.

These are just a few of the many frequently asked questions about Chicago Events March 2024. For more information, please visit the Choose Chicago website or contact the Chicago Visitor Information Center.

With so much to see and do, Chicago in March is a great time to explore all that the Windy City has to offer.

Tips

Here are a few tips for planning your trip to Chicago in March 2024:

Tip 1: Book your accommodations early.
Chicago is a popular tourist destination, so it’s important to book your hotel or Airbnb well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

Tip 2: Purchase a Chicago CityPASS.
The Chicago CityPASS is a great way to save money on admission to some of the city’s top attractions, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Willis Tower.

Tip 3: Take advantage of public transportation.
Chicago has a great public transportation system, so you can easily get around the city without a car. The CTA offers buses, trains, and the ‘L’ (elevated train).

Tip 4: Dress in layers.
The weather in Chicago in March can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers so that you can adjust to the changing temperatures.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip to Chicago in March 2024.

With its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and endless entertainment options, Chicago is a great place to visit any time of year. But March is a particularly special time to experience the Windy City, with its many festive events and activities.

Conclusion

From the festive St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the educational Chicago Flower & Garden Show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Chicago in March. And with so many events and activities to choose from, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

So whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to check out all that Chicago has to offer in March 2024.

From the vibrant parades and festivals to the cultural and sporting events, Chicago in March is a city that comes alive with excitement. So come and experience the Windy City at its best!