So it’s St. Patrick’s Day, and cities nationwide are hopping on the green bandwagon, with great music and everyone just having a ball together. Tampa is a great party thrower, amping it up by hosting some epic St. Patty’s festivals and even turning the Hillsborough River green. This fun combination of pride in their heritage and having a great time makes Tampa a place for anyone looking to enjoy a fun holiday celebration.
The River Dyeing Process
Turning Tampa’s Hillsborough River green is one of the most fun aspects of their St. Patrick’s Day bash. After observing Chicago’s river dye stint, Tampa hopped in on the fun to exhibit their Irish pride in a big manner. Annually, they pour this bright, eco-friendly green dye in the river, making it a highly entertaining view during weekend outings.
Tourists and locals pour into the riverwalk armed with cameras to capture a picture of the river’s makeover. Couples, families, and groups of friends typically schedule their day around viewing it. The river’s makeover is just a starting point of a day packed with fun, getting everyone in a celebratory mood in Tampa.
River O’Green Fest: Tampa’s Most Fun Celebration
While viewing the river turning green is definitely something to behold, it’s the River O’Green Fest that is turning up the fun in Tampa during St. Patty’s celebrations. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed into this happening place, inviting locals and tourists to a day packed with action.
Live music permeates every corner of the park as bands jam to classic Irish songs blended in with a dash of contemporary favorites. Food stalls dot the entire park, offering everything from corned beef sandwiches to wild fusion food—and a little more exotic in between—the aroma of freshly cooked food wafts over laughter and small talk, making it a completely immersive atmosphere.
Kids and their families enjoy it just as much. Face paint booths, fun activities, and craft booths keep the children occupied. The entire scene is extremely friendly, inviting people of all ages to participate in the day’s fun.
The Parade Spirit in the Streets
There’s no bash without a parade, and Tampa knows just how to throw one. The floats are fantastic, draped in green and gold, sometimes a witty aside. Local businesses, school groups, and cultural groups get in on the action, each adding their own panache to the parade.
Marching bands get the streets moving to high-energy songs while actors dressed in funky Irish attire put on a display for everyone. Beads, candy, and small treats are showered into waiting hands, making it even more fun to watch. People even dress up in celebratory attire such as green wigs, shamrock sunglasses, and leprechaun hats, making the parade route a green ocean.
Local Pubs and Irish Fare
As night descends, a large number of festivalgoers migrate from outdoors to Tampa’s vibrant pub scene. Irish pubs provide a snug place to continue the good times rolling. Four Green Fields, a favorite that boasts a thatched roof and warm atmosphere, serves up classic Irish foods along with a pint of Guinness.
Live music at these places completely turns up the party atmosphere late at night. People typically get in on those old Irish songs, clapping their hands and lifting their glasses in a toast to fun and friendship.
What Makes Tampa’s St. Patty’s So Awesome
Tampa gets it just right when it comes to blending epic celebrations with that homey feel. The green river, fun-filled park hangouts, raucous parades, and hopping pubs all combine to make this fantastic yet ridiculously friendly bash.
Tourists typically depart having felt a part of something truly special. Whether a newcomer to Tampa or a repeat favorite, the memories created by those green riverbanks and that energetic crowd keep rolling in yearly.
Tampa’s transformed St. Patty’s into a whole lot more than just a holiday — it’s created a tradition that absolutely embodies that feeling of community, celebration, and Irish pride that not a whole lot of places can compete with.
Picture Credit: iStock