Local entrepreneurs step up for St. Patrick’s Day

Pete Boland believes St. Petersburg deserves a “proper” St. Patrick’s Day Festival. He and a longtime business partner will ensure it has one Saturday.

Boland, owner of The Galley and Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern, launched Paddy Fest St. Pete in 2023. The annual event continues evolving, and he said the third time is the lucky charm “because we really feel like we have our arms around it.”

Williams Park in downtown St. Petersburg will host the shenanigans from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Paddy Fest is a passion project for Boland and Kat Van Dora, director of PMB Events.

“We see it as a responsibility at this point to do stuff like this – to carry on the Irish cultural heritage and really make St. Patrick’s Day a big thing here,” Boland said. “We think it’s fitting and deserving.”

The former mayoral and city council candidate called the community response to Paddy Fest “overwhelming and fantastic.” Boland said he and Van Dora, St. Petersburg natives, have earned the city’s trust.

He credited officials for their support and the small business showcase Localtopia for showing that Williams Park can host large-scale events. Boland believes further activating the much-maligned green space, “our front yard,” can propel private investment.

“We think Williams Park is awesome,” he added. “We want other people to think it’s awesome, too.”

Williams Park is at 350 2nd Ave N. in downtown St. Petersburg.

Over 50 vendors, 12 food trucks and thousands of unique visitors will see the park and its bandshell buzzing Saturday. Boland will consider over 8,500 attendees a success.

He said the event is a boon for surrounding downtown businesses. Paddy Fest will also provide an alternative to this weekend’s Reggae Rise Up, an expansive music festival along the waterfront at Vinoy Park.

Paddy Fest, a family-friendly event, is free for kids under 13. They can access a Kids Zone for $5, which includes free face painting, several inflatable activities and a GaGa Ball pit – a popular new game with players attempting to eliminate others by hitting them below the knees with a ball.

Admission for adults is $10, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Ocean Aid 360. The nonprofit restores marine habitats. Noted Boland, “There’s more junk in the water this year than ever before, post this incredible storm season we just all endured.”

Fresh Factory will provide traditional Irish food, like shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage. A “Whiskey Row” will offer samples from Natterjack, Teeling, Clonakilty, Keeper’s Heart and Shanky’s Whip.

A massive tent will house the Tullamore DEW Experience, featuring live music, a magic show, a premium bar, “Perfect Pour” Guinness drafts, more whiskey samplings, air conditioning and a restroom trailer. “We’re basically mimicking the vibe that we have in Mary Margaret’s and putting in the park,” Boland said of the “giant” tent.

Williams Park’s bandshell will host MC Sean Walsh and DJ Drummer Mike throughout the day. The Dunedin Pipe Band and St. Pete Irish Dance will also perform on the main stage.

The Williams Park bandshell will feature authentic Irish music.

Paddy Fest 2025 will also feature the event’s first “leprechaun wrestling” match, courtesy of the Micro Wrestling All-Stars. The nighttime event will offer VIP seating.

“It’s just such a happy occasion,” Boland said. “There’s a real sell-out of smiles there.”

Authenticity is just as important as fun, and Paddy Fest has the blessing of the Suncoast Irish & Gaelic Heritage, Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Gaelic Athletic Association. Boland said he wants to “showcase what our culture is all about,” and those efforts help ensure Mary Margaret’s continues to thrive.

“There’s certainly a lot of Irish blood throughout St. Pete,” Boland added. “We want St. Pete to be a St. Patrick’s Day city, and we’re putting it on the map in that regard.”

Boland and Van Dora worked together at the former Courigan’s Irish Pub. 

Van Dora said the community benefit outweighs Paddy Fest’s slim profit margins. Boland hopes the annual event becomes part of their local legacy, “like a football we hand off somewhere down the road, that somebody else can keep it going.”

“We both have a passion for this industry and Irish culture,” Van Dora said. “We do this because we really believe in what’s happening out there.”

For more information, visit the website here.

The 3rd annual Paddy Fest St. Pete will feature an expanded kid’s zone.