How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in San Antonio

Watch the river turn green

The San Antonio River will turn green in honor of the holidays when 25 gallons of eco-friendly dye are dumped into the water. Watch the color of the water transform starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 17 and Saturday, March 19. Find more details here. Thursday and Saturday, 1 p.m.

Celebrate at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Head to La Villita for live music, food truck fare, games and more thanks to The Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas and the San Antonio River Walk. There is also a tater tot eating contest on Friday where 10 participants will try to eat 2 pounds of tater tots in 3 minutes. On Saturday there is a dog costume contest and parade. Friday-Saturday, 1 p.m.-8 p.m.

Watch the St. Patrick’s River Parade

Twelve river barges adorned with greenery will take to the river on Saturday afternoon during this free parade, presented by Bud Light, the San Antonio River Walk and the Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas. The floats will carry pipers and other musicians. Head to La Villita or anywhere on the downtown part of the River Walk for some fun. Saturday, 4-5 p.m.

Jam at St. Patrick’s Day Street Fest + Silent Disco

1980s cover band Lon Duk Don starts at 1 p.m. at Howl at the Moon, there’s a DJ at 4 p.m. and Silent Disco takes the stage from 5 p.m. Proceeds benefit the San Antonio Humane Society and the San Antonio Food Bank. Book your tickets here. Saturday, noon-2 a.m.

Shop during the St. Patrick’s Day Craft Show

More than 40 artisans and makers will line the River Walk near the shops of Rivercenter this weekend with paintings, jewelry, pottery, woodwork and other products. Free entry. Friday-Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, 11am-8pm

Party at the Pachanga of San Patricio

The Tobin Center is celebrating the holidays with a free cross-cultural festival on the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza. Listen to live music from Bombasta, Pinata Protest and Los San Patricios. Tobin Center chef Armando Lopez will offer seasonal dishes and cocktails are available for purchase. Get more details here. Saturday, 2 p.m.

Sip wine or beer in Gruene

The third Thursday of the month is synonymous with wine and beer tasting at the Grapevine Garden in Gruene. This month, sample samples from Bent Oak and Chisholm Trail vineyards or beer from Ranger Creek, Karbach Brewing Co. or Middleton Brewing. Phil Luna provides the live music. Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Take part in a multi-course culinary tour

Book seats for this progressive dinner downtown. The evening begins with beer and finger food at Little Rhein Prost Haus, there are cocktails at Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub and then a main course at Waxy O’Conner’s Irish Pub. Choose from fish and chips, shepard’s pie or bangers and mash for your entree. Friday, 6-9:30 p.m.

Take a pub crawl for St. Patrick’s Day

Dress in your best green and carpool to Pat O’Brien to start the crawl. Stops include Jokesters, Landshark Bar & Grill, The Bonham Exchange and On The Rocks Pub, among other bars. Promotions are available at each location. Buy your tickets here. Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight