Tampa-River-O'Green-Fest Things to do this weekend

River O’Green returns this year to downtown Tampa!

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The 14th annual River O' Green returns to downtown Tampa's Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday, March 14, 2026, along with the Rough Riders St. Patrick's Day Parade and all-new things-to-do, including the Wee Lads Shamrock Shoppes, a local-run kids market! 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.

Related: The Best St. Patrick's Day Events in Tampa Bay for Families 

What's new in 2026?

  • Shop at the Wee Lads Shamrock Shoppes, a kids market featuring products from local kid-run businesses.
  •  The Irish Color Guard, courtesy of the Tampa Rough Riders, will kick off the event and lead the charge to the Hillsborough River.
  • New VIP Experience hosted by Downtown Crawlers offers a dedicated bar, additional exclusive beverages, shaded seating, games and a premium view of the stage.

What activities are on the schedule this year?

The event will kick off this Saturday 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.

Here's the 2026 River O Green Entertainment LineUp on the MainStage:

  • 10:55 a.m. – Irish Color Guard
  • 11:00 a.m. – Festival & River Coloring Begins
  • 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. – Paddy O’Furniture Music Performance
  • 12:15 p.m. – Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Dance Performance
  • 12:45-1:45 p.m. – Irish Buskers Music Performance
  • 2:00 p.m. – Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Dance Performance & Parade Begins
  • 2:30 p.m. – Pet Costume Contest Sponsored by The Barrymore Hotel
  • 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Shane Beirne Music Performance
  • 4:00 p.m. – Festival Concludes
River O'Green Fest
Image Credit: Downtown Tampa Partnership

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Tampa!

The annual Rough Riders St. Patrick's Day Parade moved from Ybor to Downtown Tampa a couple of years ago to coincide with the River O'Green.

The parade will take place at 2 p.m. in downtown Tampa, starting at Joe Chillura Square. It will then head down Madison Street to Ashley Drive and end at East Polk Street near Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Is it free to attend River O' Green?

The River O' Green is FREE to attend and is 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.

River O'Green Fest
Image Credit: Downtown Tampa Partnership

Where are the best places to park for River O' Green in Tampa?

We have parked in the Poe Garage near the Glazer Children's Museum in the past, as well as in the downtown lots. 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.

Here are some more ways to get there:

  • Free On-Site Bike Valet, provided by the Tampa Downtown Partnership
  • Use Transit: Take HART’s free Route 1 or other HART bus routes
  • Fort Brooke Garage: 107 N. Franklin St., Tampa
  • Twiggs Garage: 901 E. Twiggs St., Tampa
  • Ride: Park in Ybor City & Take the free TECO Streetcar to Whiting Station

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. The Lost Pearl pirate ship is also offering a River O Green cruise. Crews usually 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:

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.