Milwaukee Irish Fest returns this week from August 15- 18, 2024. Here is your guide on what not to miss at the world's largest Irish music and culture festival!
In the heart of the Midwest, along the shores of Lake Michigan, there exists a celebration like no other: Milwaukee Irish Fest. This annual event spans four days and showcases the rich traditions of the Celtic nations through music, dance, food, language, and culture.
Click here to learn more about Milwaukee Irish Fest and how you can book your tickets!
What sets Milwaukee Irish Fest apart is its dedication to immersion. From the moment you step foot on the festival grounds, Irish Fest’s goal is to transport you to a world where the sights, sounds, and flavors of Ireland and the Celtic nations come to life.
Whether you're sampling traditional Irish fare from one of over 35 food vendors, perusing the wares of more than 90 marketplace vendors, or learning a couple of Gaelic phrases, there is no shortage of experiences to savor.
This year over 15 artists and bands will make their Milwaukee Irish Fest debut from the U.S., Ireland, Scotland, Japan, and Italy.
A couple of the acts making their first appearance at Milwaukee Irish Fest:
- The Tumbling Paddies
- The Consequences
- Fiddle in the Middle
- Elephant Sessions
- Gadan with Enda Scahill
- Síomha
- Mary MacNamara and Sorcha Costello
Headliners returning to Milwaukee Irish Fest:
- The High Kings
- The Screaming Orphans
- Doolin’
- Goitse
- Lúnasa
- Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy
Find out more about the Milwaukee Irish Fest lineup here.
Special shows that you can only see at Milwaukee Irish Fest
A Tribute to Sinead O’Connor: Screaming Orphans and Friends
In July 2023, the world mourned the loss of Sinead O’Connor, a Dublin-born music sensation who transcended borders to become an international icon. With her anthems of passion and protest, she left an indelible mark on the music scene of the 1980s and beyond.
Having shared the stage with O’Connor, The Screaming Orphans, themselves acclaimed musicians, join Milwaukee Irish Fest in paying homage to this legendary figure in rock music, a cherished icon not only of Ireland but of the world.
A Tribute to Sinead O’Connor: Screaming Orphans and Friends 
Concertina Circle: Mary MacNamara, Mohsen Amini, and Lexi Boatright
For more than a century, the concertina has been associated with Irish traditional music. This special showcase will shine a spotlight on the rich array of tunes associated with this beloved instrument.
The showcase will feature Mary MacNamara, one of the foremost concertina players in Ireland, renowned Scottish musician Mohsen Amini, and representing the United States is Lexie Boatwright, a talented musician performing at the festival with her latest ensemble, The Consequences.
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Cultural events at Milwaukee Irish Fest
Meet authors at the Literary Corner - the place to dive into Irish and Celtic literature from histories, memoirs, mysteries, and more. Some of this year’s authors include Malcolm McDowell Woods, John Sexton, and Tracy Helixson..
Steeped in tradition, brimming with talent, and sweetened with native speakers, the Gaeltacht, Irish-speaking area, showcases the Irish language and traditional Irish culture. Don’t miss sean-nós singing with Caitlín Ní Chualáin and more interactive sessions.
History, genealogy, politics, literature, modern culture and more will be discussed in the Hedge School. Two of the many speakers in this year’s Hedge School are Stephanie O’Connell and Dr. Niamh Hamill. Genealogist Stephanie O’Connell will speak about Irish Emigration to America and Dr. Niamh Hamill will speak about renegade women in Ireland
Check out the full Milwaukee Irish Fest cultural program here.
Whether you're a regular attendee or a first-time visitor, there has never been a better time to experience Milwaukee Irish Fest. Make plans to travel to Milwaukee from August 15-18 to celebrate Celtic music and culture.
To learn more about Milwaukee Irish Fest, view hotel packages, schedule information, and get tickets, check out their website. You can also keep up to date on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Download the FREE official Milwaukee Irish Fest app, available on Apple and Android devices, to view the full schedule, artists, activities, food, and more!
Milwaukee Irish Fest is presented by its parent nonprofit organization, CelticMKE. CelticMKE is dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish, Irish American, and Celtic cultures. For more information about CelticMKE, please visit celticmke.com.
