March in Chicago is a feast for the senses, with vibrant celebrations of art, culture, and tradition unfolding across the city. Whether you’re celebrating alongside St. Patrick’s Day revelers, exploring groundbreaking exhibitions, or indulging in culinary delights during North Side Restaurant Week, this month’s lineup has something for everyone. Here are the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this March.
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All Month
The Orchid Show: India Blooms
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“Through the harmony of tradition and modern design, the Orchid Show immerses you in the beauty of India.” This year at the Chicago Botanic Garden show, visitors will witness a floor-to-ceiling peacock, its tail crafted from hundreds of orchid blooms — as well as many other designs, open through March 23. The Garden allows guests to “discover bursts of pigmented powders reflecting the vivid hues of Holi, the festival of colors.” Check out the Chicago Botanic Garden online for more information.
Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica
The first major exhibition to survey Pan-Africanism’s cultural manifestations gathers together some 350 objects, spanning 1920s to present, made by artists on four continents. Panafrica is presented as a conceptual place where arguments about decolonization, solidarity, and freedom are advanced and negotiated with the aim of an emancipatory future. The exhibit is open until March 30.
We Always Bounce Black: A Black Excellence Comedy Revue
The Black Excellence Revue is bringing much-needed warmth and excitement to Chicago this winter. Their new program at The Second City — running weekends through March 29 — is packed with brand new songs, sketches, and, of course, world-renowned improv. “The Black Excellence Revue is more than a comedy show — it’s a celebration of Black Joy. And, just like at the Apollo, you are a part of the show.” Grab your tickets at The Second City online.
230 W. North Ave.
Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection
Beginning in 2020, a series of exhibitions across Europe have brought selected highlights of the Torlonia Collection to public display. Myth and Marble debuts these masterpieces to a North American audience, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these exceptional ancient sculptures and explore the fascinating stories they reveal. This exhibit opens March 15 and runs through June 29.
Betrayal at Goodman Theatre
Stage and screen stars Helen Hunt, Robert Sean Leonard and Ian Barford star in Susan V. Booth’s major revival of Pinter’s famed masterwork. As Emma’s marriage to Robert comes to an end, she reconnects with Jerry, her former lover — and her husband’s best friend — as the action unspools backward in time. Come see it for yourself, running until March 30. Tickets at Goodman Theatre.
Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition
Since 1970, Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition has made an annual appearance at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — making it the longest-running exhibitions of Black art. The exhibit features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics, and photography from artists both professional and amateur, including youth artists between the ages of 14 and 17. The show is open now through April 27 — get your tickets: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Sustenance & Land: Five Artists Consider Our Relationship with the Earth
This exhibit explores “human connection to the land and the many ways the earth sustains us. Participating artists Lydia Cheshewalla, Barbara Ciurej and Lindsay Lochman, Tomiko Jones, Claire Pentecost, and Chunbo Zhang work in a variety of methodologies to explore a broad spectrum of themes including nutrition, cultural relationship to food, scientific investigation, spirit, history, and the future. Humor and creativity are woven throughout the exhibition, guiding viewers through a rich tapestry of ideas about how we interact with the earth.” Running through April, find more info at Elmhurst Art Museum.
Spectrum of Spring
The 2025 Spring Flower Show highlights the color families of plants and flowers, and offers a unique design and color scheme. Marvel at the robust color blocking of bulbs such as ‘Delft Blue’ Hyacinth, ‘Red Impression’ Tulip, and ‘Golden Yellow’ Crocus. There are also colorful annuals, including ‘Whimsy Blue’ Nemesia and ‘Color Max Orange Clear’ Viola. Lots of perennial and shrub favorites return as well. Above the flower beds, you will find colorful, flowing baskets of calibrachoa, such as ‘Kabloom Cherry’. Don’t miss this explosion of color — make a free reservation online at the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
JCC Chicago’s Jewish Film Festival
JCC Chicago’s Jewish Film Festival returns March 2025 with 19 powerful films that showcase humanity through documentaries, dramas, and comedies — now through March 23. Now in its 12th year, this iconic film festival has been an important and highly anticipated cultural event within the community. To find more information about the fest and film screenings, visit JCC Chicago online.
March 1: International Carnivale at Navy Pier
Join Navy Pier for the free Global Connections International Carnivale celebration. A global tradition, celebrated in many unique ways, will come to life in the Aon Grand Ballroom. Come enjoy a vibrant, beautiful afternoon, find more information at International Carnivale online.
March 1: Digging Deeper Into Movies: Oscars 2025
This free series — presented by Chicago International Film Festival and hosted by Nick Davis, a Northwestern University professor and film critic — explores this year’s Oscar-nominated films. The showings will be followed by a discussion and Q&A. Tickets and specifics on this event can be found on the Cinema/Chicago website.
March 1-9: Fat Ham at Goodman Theatre
A boisterous Southern cookout sets the scene for a Black, queer discovery of self and resilience in this Pulitzer Prize-winning, five-time Tony nominated “uproarious reimagining of Hamlet” (The New Yorker). FAT HAM is a co-production with Chicago’s famed Definition Theatre and is directed by their Founding Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips. Grab tickets and more details online at Goodman Theatre.
March 1-9: North Side Restaurant Week
The North Side is full of diverse, delicious cuisines made with care at local eateries. North Side Restaurant Week celebrates this and invites guests to explore all that’s in store across these neighborhoods and menus. Check out the full lineup of participating restaurants and their special prix fixe menus by visiting The North Side Restaurant Week.
March 2: Handel’s Theodora by Music of the Baroque
In celebration of Principal Guest Conductor Nicholas Kraemer’s 80th birthday, a world-renowned cast of soloists — Sherezade Panthaki, Iestyn Davies, Allyson McHardy, David Portillo, and Jonathan Woody — join the Music of the Baroque Chorus and Orchestra Handel’s own personal favorite oratorio: the story of the virtuous martyr Theodora and her Roman protector Didymus.
March 2: Polar Plunge (Special Children’s Charities)
With Lake Michigan just to the east, Chicagoans can’t help but flock to it year round — even in the winter, and especially for a good cause. The Polar Plunge, presented by Special Children’s Charities, will be hosted for the 25th year, once again raising funds for Special Olympics Illinois. While the event is March 2, there is still time to register, donate, and be one of the many individuals plunging for a good reason this March. More information and sign up on the Special Children’s Charities website.
March 3: International Women’s Night Out
Celebrate women and community at the 5th Annual International Women’s Night Out at Tatas Tacos! We’re partnering with Jennifer Litner, PhD, LMFT, CST, CST-S, founder of Embrace Sexual Wellness, for an enlightening and empowering discussion on sexuality, self-awareness, and overall wellness. Look forward to all kinds of fun like a meditation, goodie bags, as well as margaritas and tacos. Sign up online at International Women’s Night Out.
March 6: mHUB HardTech Summit
Join the mHB HardTech Summit — an annual flagship event that celebrates the innovations and accomplishments of the best and brightest minds in hardtech. Visit mHUB HardTech Summit online for registration and more.
March 7-9: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Considered one of the most revolutionary American dance companies, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is returning to Auditorium Theatre with their iconic, groundbreaking programs, including Revelations — among other shows. Witness these masterpieces for yourself, tickets sell fast so grab them while you can. All details and buying options available at Auditorium Theatre.
50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.
March 8: Flight 5342 Memorial Skating Performance
This special tribute honors the memory of the USFSA figure skaters lost on Flight 5342. This event will feature performances by National Competitors, National Development Camp Athletes and Special Guest Commentator Chris Howarth. All proceeds from this event will go to support the victim’s families of this tragedy. Find additional details at DuPage Skating Club online.
Centennial Ice Arena, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette
March 8: Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival
Join the Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival at the Field Museum for a complete wine-lovers experience. Sip & Swirl over 100 wines & bubblies from across the globe while you explore everything this incredible museum has to offer — plus delicious bites and dancing to a DJ’s curated music. This year will also feature Zero Proof lounge, for those who want the fun but not the spirits. Visit Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival online for tickets and details.
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
March 8-9: International Women’s Day Market
The Lincoln Square Ravenswood neighborhood is brimming with locally-owned businesses. On March 8-9, in honor of International Women’s Day, the community will be hosting their 4th annual International Women’s Day Market. Local, women-owned vendors will congregate at Artifact Events for a day of shopping small and giving big, with booths that carry jewelry, home goods, beauty products, food, drink and much more. Details at Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.
March 11: Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, curator, activist, and educator Isaiah Collier has established himself as a musical force in Chicago and nationally, earning the title of Chicago Tribune‘s Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz 2024. Cosmic Transitions, his 2021 release with his band the Chosen Few, earned a five-star review from Downbeat and multiple Album of the Year accolades, among other praises. Get tickets for their March 11 performance at Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
March 14-23: 15th Annual Winning Works
The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet will present five world premieres in the culmination of a national call for ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) artists to submit applications for the Winning Works Choreographic Competition. This year’s winners — Karley Childress, Roderick George, Shota Miyoshi, Alejandro Perez, and Keelan Whitmore — each will choreograph an original work created for the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet Conservatory, Trainees, and Joffrey Studio Company. This annual event never disappoints, request your tickets now at Winning Works online.
March 15: Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago’s favorite Irish tradition is back in full swing celebrating its 70th year. Following the Chicago River dyeing at 10am, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 12pm. The parade route follows Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive and will be lined with jubilant Chicagoans decked in green. Don’t forget to watch the Chicago River dyeing at 10am, too. Head over to the parade website for more information.
March 15: 2025 Official Chicago St. Patricks Day Bar Crawl
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off with the ultimate pub crawl across the city. The St. Patrick’s Day Chicago Bar Crawl offers partygoers free entry to numerous bars and nightclubs and a guaranteed good time at every stop. It’s a festive way to toast the holiday in true Chicago style. Grab your tickets.
March 16: 2025 South Side Irish Parade
Go back to the roots of the Irish community in Chicago by visiting the South Side Irish Parade. This celebration of Irish heritage — and the largest community-based parade for the holiday outside of Ireland — will route through 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western, starting at noon. More specifics and historical information on the South Side Irish Parade website.
March 17: Beyond the Aria: Ailyn Pérez, Pene Pati, and Daniel Espinal
Ailyn Pérez, a soprano of “bewitching grace” (Bachtrack) joins the “round and sunshine filled voice” of tenor Pene Pati (Le Monde), tenor Daniel Espinal, and series artistic director and pianist Craig Terry. This magical, one-night-only performance will be held at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, find details on their site.
March 21: Children of Dharma
Ragamala Dance Company returns to the Harris Theater with Children of Dharma, a new evening-length piece that builds upon decades of the company’s pioneering work. Centering ancestral wisdom, artistic excellence, and creativity to contextualize the immigrant experience,
March 23: Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
Runners in Chicago know that with St. Patrick’s Day comes the annual Shamrock Shuffle — which features three tiers, the 8K Run, 2-Mile Walk and The Mile. Weave through the heart of Chicago’s beautiful downtown, ending at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park for a post-race party. Register on the Shamrock Shuffle homepage.
March 28-30: Chicago Tattoo Arts Festival
Ink lovers unite! The Chicago Tattoo Arts Festival is back in town this year and is bringing together everyone from experts to beginners to spectators. Check out the Tattoo Arts Festival online to see the full lineup of artists, events, and programming for the weekend-long event.
Donald E Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont
March 29-31: Chicago a Cappella presents “Jazz a cappella”
Jazz takes on a new dimension through the human voice, blending iconic standards like “My Funny Valentine” with vibrant adaptations of instrumental masterpieces by Gillespie, Ellington, & Coltrane. Reimagined classics like “Birdland” & “Satin Doll” are joined by a premiere from HerVoice winner Devon Gates, honoring jazz’s timeless legacy. This show runs through April 6, find tickets online at Chicago a Cappella.
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Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago Chicago.
