Paddy Fest St. Pete Returns to Williams Park for Fourth Year With Three-Day Celebration

Paddy Fest St. Pete comes back to Williams Park March 13-15. Now in its fourth year, this three-day Irish music bash brings live bands, step dancing, food trucks, and activities for kids to downtown St. Pete.

Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones will perform. So will Seven Nations and The Byrne Brothers. Pipe bands take the stage. Step dance academies show off their moves. Local acts join in throughout the weekend, with live feeds broadcasting performances on a big screen.

"We upped the caliber of the performances this year," said organizer Pete Boland, according to St. Pete Rising. "Our number one priority is attendee experience. We're going to try to wow every person who walks through those gates."

Friday kicks things off from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., free for anyone 21 and over. Saturday and Sunday run 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. General admission costs $25. Kids 14 and under get in free, with discounted tickets for students and veterans.

Boland runs Mary Margaret's Olde Irish Tavern, The Galley, and The Ship's Hold. He launched this event in 2023 as an option instead of packed bars on St. Patrick's Day.

"Back in 2023 when we first put it together, we were kind of worried it would turn into a drink-a-thon," Boland said. "But it's really become this family-friendly community thing. It's a way to celebrate Irish heritage, and our love of St. Pete, without fighting the bar crowds on March 17th."

A Kids Zone features bounce houses, face painting, and hands-on activities. Mini golf awaits. So does an art wall and photo booth. The shepherd's pie-eating contest comes back, along with raffles and giveaways.

More than 40 vendors sell Irish heritage merchandise, handmade jewelry, art, and wellness products. Charm City Eats parks its truck there. Galvin's Goodies does too. Johnny Nevada's Tamales and Pamz Pizza Cones round out the options.

The Tullamore DEW VIP Experience gives guests 21 and over a tent with air conditioning, private restrooms, complimentary whiskey tastings, and live performances right there. Single-day VIP access runs $30 plus general admission. An $80 All Access VIP Pass covers all three days, throwing in a gift set and festival shirt.

Organizers plan to donate to OceanAid 360 during Friday's kickoff. The nonprofit works to restore marine habitats across the region.

Williams Park sits at 350 2nd Avenue North. Tickets are available at PaddyFestStPete.com.