River O’Green returns to Tampa with new kids market

The River O’Green celebration is returning for its 14th year to downtown Tampa in an iconic event that transforms the Hillsborough River into a dazzling display of kelly green.

The event, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, also features a parade and other entertainment to celebrate Irish pride.

This year, the popular annual event hosted by the Tampa Downtown Partnership is adding the Wee Lads Shamrock Shoppes, a market run by local children. The event will also feature a performance by the Irish Color Guard, and the Partnership is featuring a new VIP Experience this year, hosted by Downtown Crawlers.

The event’s headline musician will be Irish singer/songwriter Shane Beirne.

The event will take place Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. St. Patrick’s Day is the following Tuesday, on March 17.

“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 and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “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.”

Tampa is the only major city in Florida to color its river green, and the city has earned the distinction of the “Nation’s Sunniest St. Patty’s Day Celebration” thanks to its average of 231 days of sunshine per year. Tampa is also tied with New York City for the U.S. city with the most Irish pubs per capita.

The coloring used to turn Hillsborough River green is safe for the environment, made from non-toxic, biodegradable components that meet Environmental Protection Agency standards. The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County has not objected to the short-term use of the coloring in the Hillsborough River.

Returning features of the River O’ Green event include the availability of green hard seltzer from Late Start Brewing, a state lineup of Irish dancers and musicians, and a pet costume contest sponsored by the Barrymore Hotel.

The St. Patrick’s Parade will be at 2 p.m.

The event will cause some road and waterway closures attendees and non-attendees should be aware of, including the closure of Ashley Dr. beginning at 11 a.m. Gasparilla Plaza will change direction at 11 a.m., and close at 1 p.m. for the event. Cass Street at Ashley Drive will close at 1 p.m. All road closures are expected to be lifted at approximately 7 p.m.

The Hillsborough River between Cass Street and Kennedy Boulevard will close between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership is providing free on-site bike valet for those choosing to cycle to the event. Transit users should utilize the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s free Route 1, or other applicable routes. Parking is available in the Fort Brooke Garage located at 107 N. Franklin St., the Twiggs Garage located at 901 E. Twiggs St., or in Ybor City where people can then use the free TECO Streetcar and disembark for the event at Whiting Station.

Sponsors for this year’s event include presenting sponsor Grow Financial, along with TECO, Pirate Water Taxi, The Lost Pearl, Craft Tampa, the city of Tampa, Freedom Boat Club, The Barrymore Hotel, iHeart Radio, Kuducom, Winters & Yonker, and Downtown Crawlers.

More information is available online.