Best Chicago Events in March 2025

Welcome to your go-to list of Chicago Events in March 2025, where you’ll find everything from parades and concerts to sports showdowns and comedy nights. Whether you’re a Windy City local seeking fresh entertainment or a visitor looking to soak up Chicago’s diverse culture, this guide has you covered. Get ready for an action-packed month featuring festive traditions, award-winning performers, and vibrant downtown celebrations. Below, we’ve organized the city’s top events by date so you can plan your March itinerary with ease.

Chicago Polar Plunge

• Date and Time: Sunday, March 2, 2025, 10:00 AM
• Location: North Avenue Beach (1601 N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.)
• Admission: Free to watch or participate (fundraiser for Special Olympics)

Kick off March with the 25th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge—a beloved local tradition where brave participants wade into icy Lake Michigan to raise funds for Special Olympics Chicago. Spectators can cheer on friends, families, and costumed teams who don everything from superhero outfits to wacky hats. Even if you don’t take the plunge yourself, it’s a spirited day of live music, hot drinks, and community support. With thousands gathering at North Avenue Beach, this philanthropic event encapsulates Chicago’s warm heart in spite of the cold water.

Aziz Ansari – “Hypothetical Tour” Live

• Date and Time: Thursday, March 6, 2025, 7:00 PM
• Location: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. (Loop)
• Admission: Tickets (starting around $100)

Settle in for a night of side-splitting laughter as Aziz Ansari brings his “Hypothetical Tour” to the iconic Chicago Theatre. Famed for his award-winning roles on Parks and Recreation and Master of None, Aziz offers smart, observational comedy that tackles modern life’s quirks with both wit and warmth. The elegant 3,600-seat venue provides an intimate experience for fans eager to see one of comedy’s biggest names. Expect fresh material, personal anecdotes, and all the charisma that has made Ansari a box-office hit worldwide. Tickets tend to sell fast, so act quickly if you want to secure your spot in this can’t-miss show.

Disturbed with Three Days Grace & Sevendust – The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour

• Date and Time: March 8, 2025, 6:30 PM (Doors open 5:00 PM)
• Location: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. (West Loop)
• Admission: Tickets (prices from around $90)

Chicago’s own heavy metal heroes, Disturbed, headline a monumental show celebrating 25 years of their legendary album The Sickness. Bringing along rock veterans Three Days Grace and Sevendust, this triple-threat concert promises an evening packed with iconic alt-metal anthems. Fans can expect The Sickness played in its entirety, plus a second set of greatest hits from Disturbed. Hosted at the United Center—an arena known for its electric crowd—this concert ranks high on the Chicago concerts March 2025 list for rock enthusiasts. Get ready for a night of loud guitars, driving rhythms, and full-throated singalongs that will leave your heart pounding.

Beetlejuice: The Musical

• Date and Time: March 11–16, 2025 (7:30 PM evenings, weekend matinees)
• Location: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. (Downtown/Loop)
• Admission: Tickets (approx. $47–$100)

Say “It’s showtime!” as Beetlejuice: The Musical arrives in Chicago for a limited one-week run. This Broadway adaptation of Tim Burton’s cult classic features an irreverent script, spooky-fun set designs, and catchy tunes that bring the zany world of the undead to life. Lydia Deetz teams up with the mischievous Beetlejuice, leading to comedic mayhem with a surprising dash of heart. Held at the historic Cadillac Palace Theatre, the production blends macabre humor with over-the-top spectacle. With only six performances, tickets are in high demand, so reserve yours early to experience one of the quirkiest highlights on the March 2025 Chicago events calendar.

Mary J. Blige – The For My Fans Tour

• Date and Time: March 14, 2025, 7:00 PM
• Location: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
• Admission: Tickets (from $110)

R&B icon Mary J. Blige graces the United Center on her For My Fans Tour, honoring the release of her new album Gratitude with a show that blends legendary hits like “Real Love” and “Family Affair” with fresh tracks. Joined by special guests Ne-Yo and Mario, this concert promises a celebratory atmosphere paying tribute to Blige’s decades-spanning influence. From her powerful vocals to her soulful stage presence, the Grammy winner knows how to captivate fans of all ages. Get ready for a heartfelt performance that celebrates perseverance, love, and the unbreakable bond between artist and audience.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & River Dyeing

• Date and Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025 – River dyeing at 10:00 AM; Parade at 12:00 PM
• Location: Chicago River (dyeing between State St. and Columbus Dr.); Parade on Columbus Drive (Balbo to Monroe)
• Admission: Free (public event)

Immerse yourself in Chicago’s vibrant Irish pride with two iconic celebrations rolled into one festive day. At 10 AM, watch the Chicago River transform into a stunning emerald green, a half-century-old tradition that draws massive crowds along Upper Wacker Drive. Then at noon, the party shifts to Columbus Drive for one of America’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, featuring spirited bagpipers, energetic dance troupes, and colorfully decorated floats. This citywide festival overflows with camaraderie and merriment, making it a top highlight among Chicago festivals March 2025. Grab your green attire, stake out a viewing spot early, and bask in the lively sea of shamrocks and cheers.

Chicago Bulls Home Games

• Date and Time:
  • March 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM (versus Los Angeles Lakers)
  • March 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM (versus Dallas Mavericks)
• Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
• Admission: Tickets start at $45.00 (Get Your Tickets)

Experience the thrill of live NBA action at the United Center with two highly anticipated Chicago Bulls home games this March. On March 27, 2025, the Bulls will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers, promising a night of star-studded matchups and intense basketball action. Then, on March 29, 2025, they’ll take on the Dallas Mavericks in another electrifying game filled with high-energy plays and competitive spirit. Don’t miss your chance to witness top-tier basketball as Chicago’s iconic arena comes alive with excitement during this combined event.

Experience Chicago All Month Long

Plan ahead for these must-attend Chicago events March 2025, securing your tickets early for popular shows like Disturbed and Mary J. Blige. Also, don’t overlook the family-friendly experiences—the Bulls game offers high-octane sports action, and the musical Beetlejuice provides Broadway thrills for all ages. Whether you’re savoring the comedic genius of Aziz Ansari or some NBA excitement, your March in Chicago will be anything but ordinary.