MILWAUKEE — Another cultural festival is making its way to Milwaukee this weekend.
Irish Fest has been a tradition celebrating Celtic heritage since 1981. It’s held annually in Henry Maier Festival Park.
This year, Irish Fest runs Aug. 17-20, 2023.
From traditional Irish and indie-rock music to dozens of food items, here’s what you need to know about the event.
Entertainment
Over 100 acts will be playing at this year’s festival, spanning across 16 stages.
Among the acts are Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, The Gleasons, the STEAM Irish Quartet, Roison O, Polly Barrett, Milwaukee Scottish Pipe Band, Grosse Isle and internationally-known performers Gaelic Storm.
View the full schedule of performers here.
This year, there will also be currach races. These can be watched by attendees along the lagoon.
At the Meehan Boat House, an Aran sweater will be on display. On Sunday, those who attend will also be able to knit their own square, which will be added to the Aran display next year. Yarn, needles and a pattern will be provided, according to festival officials.
Food
There are over 35 locations to get food at Irish Fest.
Try your hand at some traditional Irish fair, including bridies, sausage rolls, shepherd’s pie, bangers and corned beef.
In addition to Irish fare, there are plenty of other foods, such as pizza, tacos and more.
Smokin’ Jacks BBQ, Nashville North/El Hefe and Nute’s Cafe are new to this year’s festival.
Find the full list of foods and vendors, here.
Other activities
In the area near the south end of the festival grounds, there is a cultural village highlighting some of the Irish and Celtic culture.
Here guests will find art by Limerick-born artist and photographer Paul Ward, as well as several other visual displays.
Carlene O’Connor, popular author of the Irish Village Series, will be at the festival's Literary Corner. She will share copies of several books in a new series and a novel, "No Strangers Here," which takes place in Donegal. If fans miss her at Irish Fest, O'Connor will also host a meet and greet at Boswell Books on Downer Street at 2 p.m. on Friday.
Several other prominent authors will be at the festival.
A range of plays will be performed at the Theatre Pavillion.
For those wanting to learn more about Gaelic, the Irish language, visit the Language Workshop tent.