The Milwaukee Irish Fest that runs between August 20th and 22nd will feature over 75 entertainment acts across 14 stages. Notable performers include Cherish the Ladies, Mick Moloney, Jimmy Keane, The Byrne Brothers, Eileen Ivers, Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, and dozens more
Music performances from renowned Irish American artists, presentations from Irish cultural experts, plus Irish language workshops, dance performances and more can be found at America’s largest Irish Festival.
This 40th Anniversary Festival has the theme of ‘The Spirit of Irish America’ and this year’s lineup puts a spotlight on the music and traditions brought over from the Emerald Isle and other Celtic nations across the centuries.
On Sunday, August 22nd, at 2:30pm on the Aer Lingus Stage, catch the ‘Fiddle Extravaganza Show’ featuring some of Celtic music’s most renowned fiddlers performing together on one stage. The show features five amazing fiddlers: Eileen Ivers, Alasdair Fraser, Katie Grennan, Colin Farrell and Brian Conway; they’ll be joined by Matt Mancuso and Natalie Haas. This show will feature multiple styles of fiddling and is sure to be a highlight this year.
In addition, the Irish Fest will honor their late Founder, Ed Ward, who passed away in 2019, with an Allstar Musical Tribute on Saturday, August 21st, at 4:15pm on the Miller Lite Stage, featuring multiple artists such as Gaelic Storm and Rory Makem.
Other ‘can’t miss’ shows include Sierra Hull on Friday, August 20th at 10 pm at the Miller Lite Stage and Molly Tuttle on Saturday, August 21, at 8:15 pm at the Miller Lite Stage.
On Saturday, August 21, from 12 to 5 pm, the Milwaukee Currach Club hosts the North American Currach Association regatta with Irish Currach Races along the lagoon!
The Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, Ambassador Daniel Mulhall, will appear on the Hedge School/Theatre stage to talk about Ireland and America and the history of Irish Independence.
Just past the rainbow and castle are fun activities, such as the Lili-Putt mini golf, take-and-make Irish crafts and a brand new playground. The take-and-make Irish craft toolkits will be available throughout the weekend to grab and either make at nearby picnic tables or to bring home with you.
Explore the new Northwestern Mutual playground and don’t miss all of the family-friendly entertainment at the Cedar Crest Children’s Stage.
The Irish Fest has over 35 food locations, with everything from Irish cuisine to American fare, plus multiple beverage stations featuring Five Farms Irish Liqueur Cocktails, Jameson Irish Whiskey cocktails and slushies, Vizzy Hard Seltzer, CiderBoys ciders, craft beer from Lakefront Brewery, Water Street Brewery and Miller Lite, and much more!
It’s certainly a can’t miss event this summer!
View the lineup and schedule at irishfest.com/schedule