Tampa’s annual River O’Green Festival, a beloved community event, will return to Curtis Hixon Park on Saturday, March 14, from 11 am to 4 pm. This fun St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes dyeing the Hillsborough River a brilliant emerald green. The River O’Green Fest is put on by Tampa’s Downtown Partnership with the City of Tampa and takes place along our award-winning Riverwalk.
The Hillsborough River provides a perfect backdrop for the celebration, which includes live entertainment, games, children’s activities, food trucks, and, of course, beer. While there is plenty to enjoy for adults, the River O’Green Fest is totally family-friendly, and your four-legged friends are more than welcome to attend.
Organizers state that the dye used is safe for the environment, non-toxic, biodegradable, meets all EPA standards and is certified for use by NSF Std 60. In fact, it’s the same dye often used in water systems to trace the flow of drinking water. They also note it’s the same dye used in food and in eye surgery to trace blood vessels.
Visit the official River O Green Festival event page for more details. After River O’ Green Fest, residents can prepare for the huge Riverfest event arriving in May.
Parking is available for a nominal rate at multiple locations adjacent to the event, including the William F. Poe Parking Garage north of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602).
Here’s the full lineup courtesy of Tampa’s Downtown Partnership
- 10:55am: Irish Color Guard Begins Lead to River
- 11:00am: Festival & River Coloring Begins
- 11:10am-12:10pm: Paddy O’Furniture Performance
- 12:15pm: Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance
- 12:45-1:45pm: Irish Buskers Performance
- 2pm: Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance & Parade Begins!
- 2:30pm: Pet Costume Contest (sponsored by Barrymore Hotel)
- 3-4pm: Shane Beirne Performance
- 4pm: Festival concludes
While you’re there, check out food from these local favorites, among others:
- Cole’s Snow Cone Factory
- Mom’s Tacos
- Mi Cafecito
- The Brisket Shoppe
- A Boy Named Sous
