Priya Kapoor
Every year, the Chicago River is dyed green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The tradition, which dates back to 1962, is performed by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Local 130. The process involves turning a quarter-mile stretch of the river between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street green, and typically lasts a day or two. The exact formula of the dye is a secret, but it is known to be an orange-red, vegetable-based powder. This unique tradition has made the Chicago River one of the most famous St. Patrick's Day attractions in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasion | St. Patrick's Day |
| Date | March 15, 2025 |
| Time | Morning |
| Location | Chicago River |
| Length | Quarter-mile stretch |
| Route | Columbus Drive to Orleans Street |
| Duration of Colour | 1-2 days |
| Organiser | Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union |
| Amount of Dye | 40 pounds |
| Time Taken | 45 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
The Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day
The Chicago River is dyed green each year to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The tradition dates back to 1962 when Mayor Richard J. Daley wanted to turn Lake Michigan green in honour of the holiday. Instead, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 convinced him to dye the Chicago River, using the same green dye plumbers used to detect sewage leaks.
The process involves about six plumbers from the union, who embark on two boats that putter along the river. They use 40 pounds of orange-red, vegetable-based powder dye, which is dumped from one boat and stirred by the other. After about 45 minutes, the river transforms into a nearly neon shade of green. The dye typically lasts a day or two, fading back to its natural emerald colour.
The Chicago River dyeing is one of the oldest and most famous St. Patrick's Day traditions in the city and the country, attracting thousands of onlookers. The best views of the river in its temporary green state can be seen from Upper Wacker Drive, the Chicago Riverwalk, and from various restaurants and bars along the water that host viewing parties.
In 2024, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 celebrated the 63rd time they had turned the river green. The union still holds the river-dying honours today, and the exact formula for the dye remains a closely guarded secret.
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The tradition began in 1961/1962
The tradition of painting the Chicago River green began in 1961 or 1962. It is an annual spectacle that takes place in March, around St. Patrick's Day. The river is dyed green to honour Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle, and Chicago's St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
The story goes that in 1961, Stephen Bailey, the business manager of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130, noticed bright emerald green stains on a plumber's overalls. This fluorescent dye was used to find leaks and pollution in the river. Bailey was also the chairman of the city's St. Patrick's Day parade, so he suggested using the dye to turn the river green.
The following year, in 1962, with the approval of Mayor Richard J. Daley, the Chicago Plumbers Union used 100 pounds of the same dye to stain the river green for St. Patrick's Day. The original plan was to turn Lake Michigan green, but the mayor was persuaded to opt for the more manageable river instead. The dye used is the same kind that plumbers use to detect sewage leaks, and it is an orange-red, vegetable-based powder. The exact formula is a closely guarded secret.
The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 has been in charge of turning the river green since the tradition began. The process involves about six plumbers in two boats, one to drop the dye and another to stir it. They use 40 pounds of dye along a quarter-mile stretch of the river, and the process takes about 45 minutes. The green colour typically lasts a day or two, sometimes longer if there is no wind or rain.
The Chicago River dyeing has become one of the most famous St. Patrick's Day traditions in the United States, attracting thousands of onlookers each year. The best places to view the spectacle include Upper Wacker Drive, the Chicago Riverwalk, and various restaurants and bars along the water that host viewing parties.
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The dye used is environmentally friendly
The dyeing of the Chicago River green is a St. Patrick's Day tradition that dates back to 1962. While the specific formula is a closely guarded secret, it is known that the dye is an orange-red, vegetable-based powder that turns green when it comes into contact with water. This vegetable-based powder is considered to be environmentally friendly and non-toxic, according to the Illinois EPA.
The tradition of dyeing the river began when then-mayor Richard J. Daley wanted to turn Lake Michigan green for St. Patrick's Day. However, it was decided that dyeing the Chicago River would be more manageable. The dye was originally made from fluorescein, an oil-based product used by plumbers to detect leaks.
In 1966, due to environmental concerns, the plumbers' union transitioned to using a low-impact, plant-based dye. This new dye is a food-grade colourant also used in medicine and as a tracer dye. While the dye itself is considered safe, some environmental groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the river's ecosystem and the message that dyeing the river sends to the public.
Despite these concerns, the "greening" of the Chicago River remains a beloved tradition that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The process typically takes place in the morning, with 40 pounds of dye being poured into the river over a quarter-mile stretch in approximately 45 minutes. The vibrant green colour usually lasts for a day or two before fading back to its natural hue.
The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 has been responsible for carrying out the dyeing process since its inception, and they keep the exact formula of the dye a closely guarded secret.
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The process is carried out by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union
The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Local 130 has been dyeing the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day celebrations for decades. The tradition dates back to 1962 when Mayor Richard J. Daley wanted to turn Lake Michigan green in honour of the holiday. Instead, the Chicago River was dyed green with the same dye plumbers used to find sewage leaks. The process involves about six plumbers from the union embarking on two boats that putter along the river, dumping and stirring the dye into the water. The dye is an orange-red, vegetable-based powder that turns the river a vibrant shade of green. The process typically takes about 45 minutes, and the colour can last for a day or two, sometimes longer if there is no wind or rain.
The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Local 130 has kept the exact formula for the dye a closely guarded secret. However, it is known that the amount of dye used has decreased over the years, with 40 pounds being used in recent years, compared to 100 pounds when the tradition first started. The union has also experimented with different colours, such as dyeing a portion of the river blue after the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016.
The river dyeing has become an iconic annual tradition in Chicago, attracting thousands of onlookers who line the sidewalks, bridges, and the Chicago Riverwalk to watch the spectacle. The best views can be found on Upper Wacker Drive, between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street, where the dyeing process usually begins. The Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade follows the river dyeing, making its way through downtown Chicago with floats, music, and celebrations.
The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Local 130's unique expertise in dyeing the river has made the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Chicago one of the biggest parties of the year, with people flocking to the city to witness the colourful transformation of the river and join in the festivities. The union's secret formula and long-standing participation in this tradition have made the river dyeing a beloved and anticipated event, contributing to the city's vibrant cultural life.
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The best viewing spots
The Chicago River has been turned green every year since 1961 or 1962 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The river is dyed a few hours before the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, which takes place on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day.
If you want to watch the river being dyed green, it's recommended that you arrive early as St. Patrick's Day is the most chaotic day of the year in Chicago. The Chicago Plumbers Union starts dyeing the river around 10 a.m. and the process takes about two hours. The dye typically lasts a day or two, so you'll have plenty of time to get a good view.
Upper Wacker Drive is a great spot to view the river dyeing as it offers different vantage points. However, it tends to get busy, so you'll need to be patient to secure a good spot. The Chicago Riverwalk is another excellent option, especially in the morning or early afternoon before the colour starts to fade.
If you prefer a more relaxed setting, many hotels and restaurants along the river host St. Patrick's Day parties with food and drink packages. For example, Lizzie McNeill's takes over a street along the river for its celebrations, offering a brunch buffet of Irish favourites. The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown also offers a festive party featuring a brunch buffet, an open bar, a live DJ, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chicago River is dyed green in March for St. Patrick's Day.
The tradition started in 1962 when Stephen Bailey, the business manager of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130, noticed emerald green stains on a plumber's overalls. The stains were caused by a dye used to find leaks and pollution in the river.
The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130.
The dye is orange, but once it is in the water, it turns green.
Forty pounds of dye are used to turn the river green.
