The Music, Food and Family Fun to Experience at This Year’s Milwaukee Irish Fest

MILWAUKEE (August 10, 2023) – For the 43rd time in the third weekend in August, the world’s largest Irish music festival arrives on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee. Milwaukee Irish Fest is just days away, and it’s time for those planning on attending to think about how they’re going to experience everything Irish Fest has to offer. To get you ready for another memorable festival, here are some special things to check out this year.

Irish music from near and far

As you might expect there are plenty of performers coming from overseas to perform at Irish Fest. In fact, Milwaukee Irish Fest is so well known in Ireland, they just call it “Milwaukee Fest”. Make sure to check out some returning favorites, like Gaelic Storm, The Coronas and The Byrne Brothers.

There are also quite a few artists from other parts of the world, such as Cassie & Maggie from Canada. But also, there are artists from right here in Wisconsin that will be performing, including Paddygrass, a full complement of Irish dance schools, and harpist Maryann Miller, who is the only performer to have played at all 43 years of Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Food to get you in the Irish mood

Near and far is the theme with food as well. Guests have many options to choose from when it comes to food, including what is sure to be a new favorite like the reuben pizza from Gingerz Sportz Pub, or corned beef from McBob’s Grill, Irish Breakfast from Ward’s House of Prime (Sunday only), a Five Farms Irish Cream flavor of Gilles Frozen Custard, and the famous Jameson slushies!

But the food influence comes from across the pond as well, as chefs like Tom Flavin will be doing live cooking demonstrations in the Celtic Kitchen.

Activities for the whole family

“We always say that there’s something for everyone at Milwaukee Irish Fest, and that especially includes families and kids,” said Mike Mitchell, executive director at CelticMKE, the organizer of Milwaukee Irish Fest.

The Children’s Area is a great place to start, with Irish arts and crafts and the new Northwestern Mutual Playground. There will also be a Children’s Red Hair & Freckles Contest in the Children’s Area, plus one for adults too!

Irish Fest also has Leprechaun Village, where kids can search for gold and even join a special “Leprechaun Kids Club” for fun prizes. And with a section of Celtic Canines, parades, and Irish dancing and music, there’s a lot for kids to experience and enjoy, and remember that kids 12 and under get in free!

Feels like home

“Even with thousands of people and so much music and activity, we’re proud that Milwaukee Irish Fest still feels like a comfortable, homey place,” Mitchell added. “And it’s not just about old tradition! With new artists, activities, and experiences, even if you’ve come for years, we’re confident that you’ll experience something new.”

Download the free festival app to create your own schedule and to view more information. Visit irishfest.com to view ways to save on admission and buy tickets in advance.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.