Tampa River O’Green Festival Returns March 14 With Youth Market and New Attractions

Tampa will host its 14th annual River O'Green celebration on Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The Hillsborough River will turn green using non-toxic, biodegradable dye that meets EPA standards.

This year brings several additions. A youth-focused market called the Wee Lads Shamrock Shoppes will showcase local kid-run businesses. The Tampa Rough Riders will debut an Irish Color Guard performance at 10:55 a.m.

A new VIP section hosted by Downtown Crawlers will offer shaded seating and a private bar.

"We're thrilled once again to partner with the City of Tampa and Grow Financial to bring one of the region's largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations to life," said Kenyetta Hairston Bridges, President & CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, according to the Tampa Free Press. "This family-friendly event draws thousands of residents and visitors into Downtown, boosting support for our local small businesses and showcasing the vibrancy and energy that define our urban core."

Irish singer-songwriter Shane Beirne will headline the afternoon music lineup from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Other performers include the Finnegan Irish Dance Academy, which will perform at 12:15 p.m. and 2 p.m., along with local acts Paddy O'Furniture and Irish Buskers.

The Tampa Rough Riders' St. Patrick's Parade begins at 2 p.m. Floats and music will wind through downtown. A pet costume contest sponsored by The Barrymore Hotel takes place at 2:30 p.m.

Road closures will affect downtown traffic. Ashley Drive closes at 11 a.m., while Gasparilla Plaza changes direction at 11 a.m. and closes at 1 p.m. Cass Street at Ashley Drive closes at 1 p.m. All roads should reopen by 7 p.m.

The waterway between Cass Street and Kennedy Boulevard closes from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for the river coloring.

Attendees can park at the Fort Brooke Garage at 107 N. Franklin St. or the Twiggs Garage at 901 E. Twiggs St. Free parking is available in Ybor City with access to the TECO Streetcar, which runs free to Whiting Station. HART's free Route 1 and other bus routes serve the area around Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Free on-site bike valet will be provided courtesy of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.