Slainte, Milwaukee.
The 41st Annual Irish Fest returns to the city celebrating Celtic and Irish music, culture, food and more.
“We are very excited to welcome artists and cultural performers from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and the United States,” said Melissa Ward, Marketing Director of Milwaukee Irish Fest on 16 stages. We have over 100 entertainment acts.”
Click here for details.
When is the Milwaukee Irish Fest?
Irish Fest takes place the weekend of August 18-21.
What time does Irish Fest start?
The grounds are partially open on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Fridays he is open from 4pm to midnight, Saturdays from noon to midnight, and Sundays from 11am to 9pm.
Where is Irish Fest located?
Meyer Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee
food
Enjoy Irish and Wisconsin festive fare from 35 vendors.
“Several new vendors are coming, including Riley’s Good Dogs and Lou Malnati’s, which offer plant-based hot dogs,” Ward said. “Other than that, you can get traditional Irish fare like bangers and mash, shepherds pie and shamrock cookies.”
Irish restaurants around Milwaukee, including Moe’s Irish Pub, McBob’s Grill and Mulligan’s Irish Pub, line up at Irish Fest, serving Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage.
beer, whiskey and other beverages
Multiple breweries such as Lakefront, CiderBoys, Waters Street Brewery, and Molson Coors serve beer on site.
Celtic beer options include Snake Chaser Irish Dry Stout at Lakefront and Red Scottish Ale at Water Street Brewery.
The on-site Jameson Stand serves famous Irish whiskey cocktails. You can also sample 12-, 15-, and 21-year-old Jamesons, as well as other premium his options.
Jameson Cool Zone will serve Jameson Slushies in Ginger Ale or Lemonade, along with the new Jameson Orange Old Fashioned.
Five Farms Irish Cream has real Irish Cream liqueurs, served in tastings or Jameson Root Beer Floats.
Entertainment: Irish band, Irish dance, etc.
Headlining 16 stages including Emma Langford, Red Hot Chili Pipers, Socks in the Frying Pan, Lisa Canney, The Drowsy Lads, Cysian and Wee Banjo 3.
On Saturday night, a group of musicians will join in a performance of Scottish rock on the Ciderboys stage, showing how Celtic music influenced the likes of Rod Stewart and Lewis Capaldi.
Other entertainment options include performances by about 10 groups of Irish dancers.
Irish culture
The Cultural Pavilion showcases Irish and Celtic culture through digital and physical displays.
The National Museum of Ireland and Festivals presents an exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of the Irish Civil War.
Other exhibits include an Irish Life Quilt, an exhibit at the Celtic Church of Ireland, an exhibit by the Chicago-based Irish American Hall of Fame, and Irish folklore.
Gaeltacht
This workshop area offers participants the opportunity to learn the Irish language along with Irish cultural activities such as step dancing.
“Because Gaeltacht has performances, you can interact and you can see performers in Gaelic, so it’s a mix of both,” Ward said.
Is Irish Fest family friendly?
There are two children’s stages where children can watch and learn Irish dance, watch puppeteers, and enjoy other live entertainment.
In the Leprechaun Village, children can search for gold and see if they can find the Leprechaun.
On Sundays, Celtic K-9 goes out to show kids Irish dog breeds, including Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Terriers and Kerry Blue Terriers.
A pop-up parade features Irish pirates and fairies.
sunday mass
Delegates can come to Irish Fest on August 21st at 8:00am to enjoy breakfast at Paddy’s Pub or Ward’s House of Prime and attend the Liturgy for Peace and Justice beginning at 9:30am.
The south gate is open for those who want to participate in the mass. The Hunger Task Force will accept non-perishable donations until 11am for services and free admission to the fairgrounds.
Tickets, discounted admission options
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate and prices are as follows:
- Thursday Grand Hooley $5
- $17 Friday
- $23 Saturday and Sunday
A 4-day pass can be purchased online for $68. Seniors can purchase $17 tickets only at the gate. Children 12 and under are admitted free at the gate.
parking
At the Milwaukee Irish Fest, a free shuttle runs from the park, taking you along Brown Deer Road, College Avenue (both parking lots), State Fair Park, and Watertown Plank Road.
visit irishfest.com/transportation About the shuttle schedule.
There is no parking at Irish Fest, but street parking is available for a fee around Meyer Festival Park and in Ward 3.
Jordyn Noennig covers Wisconsin culture and lifestyle. Follow her on her Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. find her on her twitter @jordynTNoenigCall 262-446-6601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.