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River O’Green returns to Tampa: Here’s what to know

By
Published  February 26, 2026 5:05pm EST
Tampa
FOX 13 News
article

Courtesy: Tampa Downtown Partnership

The Brief

    • Tampa’s Hillsborough River will once again be turning green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
    • The 14th annual River O’Green event also features the Tampa Rough Riders’ signature St. Patrick’s Parade, food and entertainment.
    • This guide explains everything from a schedule of events to what roads and waterways are closed.

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa’s Hillsborough River will once again be turning green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

The 14th annual River O’Green event also features the Tampa Rough Riders’ signature St. Patrick’s Parade, food and entertainment.

When is Tampa’s River O’Green?

Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Downtown Tampa.

What roads and waterways are closed on the River O’Green?

  • Ashley Drive: Closes at 11 a.m.
  • Gasparilla Plaza: Changes direction at 11 a.m., but does not close until 1 p.m.
  • Cass Street at Ashley Drive: Closes at 1 p.m.
  • Road closures are expected to be lifted at approximately 7 p.m.
  • The Hillsborough River between Cass Street and Kennedy Boulevard closes from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

River O’Green events

  • 10:55 a.m. — Irish Color Guard
  • 11 a.m. — Festival & river coloring begins
  • 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. - Paddy O’Furniture music performance
  • 12:15 p.m. - Finnegan Irish Dance Academy dance performance
  • 12:45-1:45 p.m. — Irish Buskers music performance
  • 2 p.m. — Finnegan Irish Dance Academy dance performance & parade begins
  • 2:30 p.m. - Pet costume contest sponsored by the Barrymore Hotel
  • 3-4 p.m. - Shane Beirne music performance
  • 4 p.m. - Festival ends

Is it safe to turn the Hillsborough River green?

Tampa's Downtown Partnership says the coloring is safe for the environment, non-toxic, biodegradable, and meets EPA standards. The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County has no objections to its use for short-term events like River O’ Green.

What they're saying:

"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. "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."

The Source: This article was written with information in a River O'Green press release from Tampa Downtown Partnership. 

Tampa