River O’Green Fest returns this year to downtown Tampa!
The River O' Green Fest returns to downtown Tampa's Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday, March 15, 2025, along with the Rough Riders St. Patrick's Day Parade! But that's not all. Once again, the river will turn into a bright shade of green in celebration of the holiday.
Don't fret…this is done using environmentally safe dyes, non-toxic, and biodegradable dyes that meet the National Sanitation Foundation Standard 60 certification for use in and around drinking water.
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What activities are on the schedule this year?
The event will kick off at 11 a.m. as Tampa Mayor Jane Castor sounds the horn to start the dying process while spectators watch as the Hillsborough River turns bright green! The festivities continue until 6 p.m. with food, beverages, beer, music, and family-friendly activities.
Festival goers can catch “hurling” demonstrations from Tampa Bay GAA Irish Hurling Club (a rowdy mix of hockey, baseball, and football). Freedom Boat Club will also be back, offering free rides along the Hillsborough River, and there will be a pet costume contest.
You can also check out a cabbage toss game, a Lucky Charms eating contest, Â and more.
St. Patrick's Day Parade moves to Downtown Tampa!
The annual Rough Riders St. Patrick's Day Parade moved from Ybor to Downtown Tampa last year to coincide with the River O'Green Fest, and it looks like it will be back this year.
The parade will take place at 3 p.m. in downtown Tampa, starting at Joe Chillura Square. It will then head down Madison Street to Ashey Drive and up East Polk Street.
The 2025 River O Green in Tampa Schedule:
- 1:00 PM – Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance
- 11:30 AM – Growhouse Tampa Poet Performance
- 11:15 AM-12:45 PM – Paddy O’Furniture Performance
- 11:00 AM – Festival & River Dyeing Begins
- 1:15-2:45 PM – Irish Buskers Performance
- 2:30 PM – Growhouse Tampa Poet Performance
- 3:00 PM – Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance
- 3:30 PM – Pet Costume Contest – sponsored by Barrymore Hotel
- 4:00 PM-5:45 PM – Phoenix Five Performance
- 5:30 PM – Last Call for Alc. Beverage Sales
- 6:00 PM – Festival Concludes
Is it free to attend River O' Green Fest?
The River O' Green Fest is FREE to attend and absolutely a family and pet-friendly event. You can expect to see the return of live music, Irish-inspired food from local restaurants, and activities designed with kids in mind.
Where are the best places to park for River O' Green Fest in Tampa?
We recommend parking at Poe Garage near Glazer Children's Museum, as well as the downtown lots such as the Regional Royal Lot. There are also plenty of street parking options available which will have pay-by-credit-card or pay-by-app pay stations. Click here for a complete map of Downtown Tampa's parking garages and lots.
You can also view the Downtown Tampa interactive map here.
What's the best way to view the green river?
Along the Riverwalk and even ON the water. You can book a trip with Pirate Water Taxi which has stops along several riverfront spots, including Curtis Hixon Park. Crews will dye the river green between the Cass Street Bridge and Kennedy Bridge for those who want to watch the water turn green right before their eyes.
Where can I learn more?
Visit RiverOGreen.com for more information.
What else is there to do around Downtown Tampa?
If you're planning to stick around Downtown Tampa after the River O Green Fest, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do! Some of our favorite things to do are:
- Visit Glazer Children's Museum
- Cruise around on the Pirate Water Taxi
- Take a ride on the Bay Rocket Jet Boat
- Enjoy the outdoor dining garden at Sparkman Wharf
Looking for more family fun? Check out 20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend and the 40+ BEST Free Things to Do with the Kids in Tampa Bay.