MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee's Irish Fest is returning to Henry Maier Festival Park from Aug. 17-20, 2023.
According to a news release, the self-described "world’s largest Irish music festival" aims to celebrate aspects of Irish, Irish American and Celtic cultures and "instill an appreciation of these cultures in current and future generations."
Organizers say the festival is so well-known in Ireland that the Irish just call it "Milwaukee Fest." This year's musical lineup includes Gaelic Storm, The Coronas and The Byrne Brothers.
Wisconsin artists are also performing, including Paddygrass, various Irish dance schools, and harpist Maryann Miller, who is the only performer to have played at all 43 years of Milwaukee Irish Fest, organizers said.
Famous foods and drinks available for purchase include the reuben pizza from Gingerz Sportz Pub, corned beef from McBob’s Grill, Irish Breakfast from Ward’s House of Prime, a Five Farms Irish Cream flavor of Gilles Frozen Custard, and the famous Jameson slushies.
The Children’s Area at the festival includes Northwestern Mutual Playground and Children’s Red Hair & Freckles Contest. Irish Fest also has Leprechaun Village, where kids can search for gold.
According to Mike Mitchell, executive director at CelticMKE, the organizer of Milwaukee Irish Fest:
“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. 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.”
Besides producing the Milwaukee Irish Fest, CelticMKE hosts Celtic-themed concerts, lectures, music workshops and classes and cultural heritage projects.
Learn more about Milwaukee's Irish Festival on their website.
Read the organizer's statement below:
The Music, Food and Family Fun to Experience
at This Year’s Milwaukee Irish Fest
The world’s largest Irish music festival takes place
at Henry Maier Festival Park from August 17-20
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.
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About CelticMKE & Milwaukee Irish Fest
CelticMKE, which is home to Milwaukee Irish Fest, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Celtic music and culture. Through original programming and events, CelticMKE aims to celebrate all aspects of Irish, Irish American and Celtic cultures and to also instill an appreciation of these cultures in current and future generations. In addition to producing the Milwaukee Irish Fest, CelticMKE hosts a variety of Celtic themed concerts, lectures, music workshops and classes and cultural heritage projects. For more information about CelticMKE, please visit www.celticmke.com [celticmke.com]. To learn more about Milwaukee Irish Fest, visit www.irishfest.com [irishfest.com].
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