The biggest St. Patrick’s celebration in Tampa Bay is coming back even bigger and better in 2026, and this year a world-class musical lineup is leading the charge. Paddy Fest St. Pete returns to Williams Park (350 2nd Ave N) for a full three-day extravaganza, March 13-15, with its most ambitious Irish and Celtic music lineup yet.
Irish folk music legend Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones headline the weekend-long “celebration of all things Irish,” along with Celtic rock band Seven Nations and the immensely talented quartet The Byrne Brothers bringing top-tier Irish and Celtic talent to downtown St. Pete on Saturday and Sunday.
A variety of tickets are available, with free Friday tickets to preview the weekend for those 21+. On Saturday and Sunday, kids 14 and under enter free, while Kahwa Coffee is offering free cups of coffee to attendees on Saturday and Sunday until noon. Adults over 21 will get a free mimosa courtesy of EverGreen Family Wines with admission until 12 pm on Saturday and Sunday, as well.
Saturday and Sunday remain the heart of the festival experience and are fully family-friendly. Festivities run from 10 am to 8 pm both days and are open to all ages. Guests can expect a huge Kids Zone featuring a large array of inflatables vendors. In addition to last year’s hit, the Modern Shore Golf Simulator, a new 9-hole mini golf course will welcome guests on the south side of the park, hosted by Pinellas County’s Custom Rate Mortgage.
Back by popular demand, last year’s breakout favorite returns for another round: the Shepherd’s Pie Eating Contest. The annual Irish Market returns as well, featuring local and Irish-themed vendors throughout the park.
Across the weekend, festivalgoers will find authentic Irish eats, standout local food trucks, raffles and giveaways, and plenty of bars across Williams Park. Guests can enjoy Guinness on tap, specialty cocktails, and whiskey tastings, including the 21 plus VIP Tullamore D.E.W. Experience for those looking to elevate their weekend. A wine garden, mimosa bar, and Irish coffee cart round out the festival offerings, presented in part by sponsor partners JJ Taylor Distributing, Evergreen Wines, and Breakthru Beverage.
Plus, it’s all for a good cause, as a portion of proceeds from Paddy Fest St. Pete benefit Ocean Aid 360, the St. Pete-based nonprofit focused on marine habitat restoration, who will be hosting additional giveaways and raffles all weekend.
Seven Nations
The Bawdy Boys
The Byrne Brothers
Derek Warfield
Your St. Patrick’s Day Weekend lineup
Friday, March 13 serves as the official 21-plus-only kickoff night. Admission is free with a reserved ticket and features a lively evening of Irish music and a night market showcasing local vendors. Headlining the Friday kickoff are Boston-based The Gobshites, known for their high-octane blend of traditional Irish pub energy and crowd-firing favorites, and The Bawdy Boys, the raucous group that has been known to make even the strongest Irishman blush.
Lead Organizer and Festival creator Pete Boland said this year’s festival was shaped directly by guest feedback from the past three years, with a strong focus on elevating the music experience. He even traveled to some of the world’s largest Irish festivals for inspiration.
“We want to make it a unique, family friendly musical event that is going to put smiles on people’s faces and bring out all the shenanigans,” Boland said. “We are going all in and creating that celebration of all things Irish, in a very St. Pete way.”
The result is a sprawling, music driven celebration that builds all weekend long, culminating Sunday with the Grand Celtic Finale.
Beyond the headliners, the weekend lineup highlights a strong mix of local Irish musicians, regional favorites, and traditional pipe bands across the Williams Park stage. Performances throughout the weekend on the Jenkins Law main stage include Cage O’Hanlon, Chad McDonald, and Brendan Nolan, along with the legendary Dunedin Pipe Band and Suncoast United Pipes and Drums. The festival will also feature performances from three local Irish dance schools: St Pete Irish Dance, Scariff Dancers, and Ganley Academy of Irish Dance. Access to all performances is included with general admission.
Following the success of previous Paddy Fests and major watch party events, Williams Park has firmly established itself as one of downtown St. Pete’s premier event spaces. Its iconic bandstand and leafy setting provide the perfect backdrop for one of the city’s fastest growing annual celebrations.
Boland also credited Localtopia founder Olga Bof for helping showcase what is possible in Williams Park and elevating the standard for downtown events. The City of St. Pete, he noted, has also been a strong partner in supporting the festival’s continued growth.
From the massive outdoor Big Screen and concert quality production to the expanded Kids Zone and VIP experiences, Paddy Fest continues to raise the bar on what a St. Pete festival can be. From start to finish, Paddy Fest St. Pete delivers a professionally produced experience while keeping its proudly local, family run spirit.
Tickets for Paddy Fest St. Pete are available now. Guests can secure the Ultimate VIP All Access Pass, the best value option with limited availability, or choose General Admission. The VIP Tullamore D.E.W. Experience is available as an elevated add on to a General Admission ticket. Those planning to attend the Friday Night Kickoff, 21+ only, should be sure to reserve their free admission ticket in advance.