St. Patrick's Day is a big event in Tampa every year, and the tradition continues in 2019 with the 8th annual River O' Green Fest downtown.
This year, the event falls on Saturday, March 16 in the last year of Bob Buckhorn's term as mayor.
Each year, Irish and non-Irish alike come to see the Hillsborough River dyed Kelly green (The dye is safe for humans and wildlife. It is used in food and in eye surgery to trace blood vessels).
River O' Green Fest is free for humans and dogs and open to all ages.
It kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with a 2-mile fun run/walk with registration beginning at 8 a.m.
The River O' Green Gallop starts at the southwest corner of Curtis Hixon Park. You can register the day of the event or online in advance here.The cost is $25 in advance or $30 day of. Proceeds go toward the Bob Gilbertson Central City YMCA's Annual Campaign.
Then the Mayor's River O' Green Fest will go from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the dyeing of the river beginning at 11 a.m.
The Shamrock Scavenger Crawlbegins at 4 p.m. with registration available from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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). On-street parking in Downtown Tampa is free of charge north of Kennedy Boulevard after 6:00 pm on weekdays and all-day on weekends. Standard parking fares apply at all other times.
Vendors will have food and drink available for purchase at the event. For more information on the Mayor's River O' Green Fest, click here.
