St Patrick’s Day in the Bay
St. Patrick's Day in Tampa Bay reminds you exactly why you want to be here.
Downtown festivals, waterfront parades to family-friendly afternoons and laid-back bike rides, there is something happening across every corner of the Bay from St. Pete to Dunedin to Tampa itself.
Whether you are brand new to the area and looking for your first St. Paddy's tradition, or a longtime local who wants to mix it up this year, we have rounded up 9 ways to celebrate.
Here is what is happening, and where to be:
1. Paddy's Fest St. Pete at Williams Park | March 13-15
Location: Williams Park, St. Petersburg | Fri 3PM-1AM, Sat/Sun 10AM-8PM | Free to VIP
Kicking off the weekend early, the 4th Annual Paddy's Fest takes over Williams Park across three full days. Live music, Irish dancers, and yes, leprechaun wrestling make this one of the most spirited events in St. Pete. Tickets are available at multiple levels from free general admission up to VIP, so you can make it as casual or as festive as you want.
2. River O' Green Fest & Rough Riders Parade | March 14
Location: Curtis Hixton Park, Tampa | Saturday, March 14 starting at 11AM | Free admission
One of the most iconic St. Patrick's Day traditions in the entire Bay area. Watch the Hillsborough River turn green at 11AM, then stay for a full day of live entertainment, food, and drinks right on the waterfront before the Rough Riders Parade rolls through at 2PM.
3. Flanagan's St. Patrick's Day Festival | March 14
Location: Downtown Dunedin | Saturday, March 14 at 11AM | Free admission
Dunedin has been doing St. Patrick's Day longer than almost anywhere in the Bay, and this year marks the 31st annual Irish Festival on Main Street. Flanagan's Irish Pub anchors the celebration with live entertainment, Irish culture, cold drinks, and a full day of community energy.
4. Corey Avenue St. Patrick's Day Street Party | March 14
Location: St. Pete Beach | Saturday, March 14, 11AM-10PM | Free admission
An 11-hour street party on Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach. Live music, Irish-inspired fun, and the kind of beachside energy that makes this city special, all completely free to walk into. If you want a full-day option that does not require a ticket or a plan, this is it.
5. Practice St. Paddy's Whiskey Ride | March 14
Location: Colony Grill, St. Pete | Saturday, March 14 at 2:30PM | Tickets $15-$20
For those who want the spirit of the holiday without the chaos of a crowded bar crawl. This relaxed bike ride includes pizza and whiskey stops along the route, giving you a genuinely fun and social afternoon that moves at its own pace. At $15-$20 per ticket, it is one of the more unique options on this list.
6. Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl | March 14
Location: Parc & Rec, Downtown St. Pete | Saturday, March 14 at 4PM | Tickets $25-$35
Downtown St. Pete has one of the strongest bar scenes in Florida, and this self-guided crawl is the best way to explore it on St. Paddy's. Starting at Parc & Rec, tickets include drink tickets, souvenirs, and access to multiple stops throughout the night. This is the move if you are looking for a structured social event with plenty of room to make it your own.
7. Paloma House: Spin & Family Day | March 15
Location: Paloma House, St. Pete | Sunday, March 15, 10AM-2PM | Prices vary
The Sunday option for families and fitness-minded locals alike. Start with a spin class hosted by Central Cycling, then transition into Lucky Littles Family Day with a food truck, bounce house, and plenty of activities for kids. It is the kind of event that works for adults who want a workout and families who want a low-key celebration to close out the weekend that includes the kids.
8. Mary Margaret's Block Party | March 17
Location: Mary Margaret's Olde Irish Tavern, St. Pete | Tuesday, March 17, 9AM-10PM | Free to attend
This is the one on the actual day. Mary Margaret's legendary St. Paddy's Day Block Party takes over 3rd Street for a full 13 hours of live music, great food, and proper Irish celebration. Free to attend and rooted in years of tradition, this is where the locals who know the Bay best tend to end up on March 17.
9. Yacht StarShip St. Patrick's Day Lunch Cruise | March 17
Location: Channelside, Tampa | Tuesday, March 17, boards at 12PM | Tickets $40-$60
A festive St. Patrick's Day lunch buffet on the water, departing from Channelside. If you want to celebrate the actual holiday in style without navigating packed bars, this is the elevated option. A beautiful afternoon on Tampa Bay with good food and a more relaxed crowd. Tickets run $40-$60 and it is worth booking ahead.
St. Patrick's Day in the Bay Has Something for Everyone
What makes this list work is the range. You have free street festivals and ticketed bar crawls. You have the kind of waterfront parade moment that becomes a core Tampa memory, and you have a relaxed Sunday morning spin class that eases you back into the week. You can spend the whole weekend hopping across St. Pete, Dunedin, and Tampa, or pick one event and own it.
That is what St. Patrick's Day in the Bay looks like when you actually know the area. We do. And this is how we celebrate it.
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