Bagpipers and drummers take part in the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day River Walk Parade. Credit: Jaime Monzon
Feeling lucky this weekend?

The Bud Light St. Patrick’s River Parades & Celebration will take over the San Antonio River Walk this Saturday and Sunday, offering a slate of events honoring Ireland’s foremost patron saint. St. Patrick’s Day itself actually falls on Monday, March 17.

For the weekend celebration, expect floating parades, music, dance, a 5k run and a canine fashion show. And, of course, the city will dye the river green, keeping a tradition that started in 1968. Here’s a rundown:

St. Patrick’s River Parades

A parade of Irish-themed floats will traverse the San Antonio River on Saturday, March 15, entertaining revelers along the Museum Reach from 2-3 p.m. and those downtown from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Both parades are free to view.

Dyeing the River

The city will use 25 gallons of eco-friendly dye to turn the San Antonio River green in emulation of Ireland’s legendary River Shannon. A dyeing party will take place along the Museum Reach from 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 15, and two more will take place downtown — one from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 15, and another from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 16.

La Villita St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

From 1-6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, La Villita will host family friendly celebrations that include live entertainment, games and vendors. Saturday’s gathering will conclude with the Coronation of 2025 River Walk Royalty, while Sunday’s will feature the Lucky Dog Fashion Show. Those who wish to enter their pawed pals in the fashion show must do so online.

Emerald Run 5K

The annual Emerald Run 5K will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, departing from VFW Post 76 at 10 10th St. and allowing fitness buffs to take a scenic jaunt along the San Antonio River Walk. Sign-ups are available at the 5K’s website and run $40.

A full schedule of San Antonio River Walk St. Patrick’s Day events is available online.

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This article appears in Mar 5-18, 2025.

Sanford Nowlin is editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Current. He holds degrees from Trinity University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his work has been featured in Salon, Alternet, Creative...