The East Durham Irish Festival will take place this Memorial Day Weekend on May 23 and May 24 at the Michael J Quill Irish Center in East Durham.

This is the 31st weekend for the mega Irish festival which draws musicians and artists from Ireland and the U.S.

The organizers say it is the best Irish festival outside Ireland.

This year features new music from around the US, Canada, and Ireland including The Elders from Kansas City.

Other acts include 18-time Grammy winners,The Jimmy Sturr Band, Searson from Ontario, Canada and Barleyjuice from Philadelphia, PA.

New York favorites Black 47, Shilelagh Law, Jameson's Revenge and The Andy Cooney Band are just a few of the 23 groups appearing this year.

The Albany Police Pipe and Drum Band and the Michael Farrell School of Irish Step Dancing will appear both on Saturday and Sunday.  

For the children, there will be rides and games, along with their very own music tent.  The festival also offers free motor home parking to patrons for a maximum of two days.

And, say the organizers, "All of this entertainment, along with the craft & product vendors, the food court, and the Children’s rides and entertainment, add up to a GREAT day or two of enjoyment for ALL ages"