Milwaukee Irish Fest 2022 Guide; learn about food & drink vendors, entertainment, discounted nearby hotels, etc.

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By the mid 1830s, Irish immigrants began arriving in Milwaukee, just a step ahead of the German immigrants. By 1848, the Irish made up 15% of the city’s population which was their highest point. The vast majority of the Irish immigrants settled in the Third Ward.

Milwaukee Irish Fest is the largest celebration of Irish music and culture in the world. This four day, 16 stage event will be held in Milwaukee’s Henry Maier Festival Park on August 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2022. A Milwaukee tradition since 1981, it is always held on the third weekend in August. Celebrate all things Irish along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.

Entertainers

There will be 16 stages of international, national, regional and local musical talent. You can expect to see many bands, singers, musicians and dancers.

Entertainers include

  • Red Hot Chili Pipers
  • Enter The Haggis
  • Edna Reilly
  • Lisa Canny
  • Bellator Academy of Irish Dance
  • Derek Byrne & Paddygrass
  • Talleymoore
  • We Banjo 3
  • The Drowsy Lads with Eamonn de Cogain
  • Skerryvore
  • Rum Ragged
  • The Gleasons
  • Curtis Crossroads
  • Athas
  • Jeff Ward
  • Carol Cairde – Ceili
  • Wayne Francis, Puppeteer
  • Tulus
  • The O’Bradys
  • The Boils
  • Socks in the Frying Pan
  • Scythians
  • Ray Mac Manais
  • Paddy Homan & the Noble Call
  • Pay The Devil
  • McNamara McCarthy School of Dance
  • Maire Ni Choilm
  • Lilies of the Midwest
  • Glencastle Irish Dancers
  • Green Sails
  • Boxing Banjo
  • Three Pints Gone
  • Acme Fiddling Company

Irish Food

Irish Fest features more than 35 food locations throughout the park grounds, ranging from booths to tents to food carts. The Fest features Irish inspired and Irish cuisine. You can also find pizza, burgers, tacos and more. Ward’s House of Prime will serve a Sunday morning Irish breakfast spread. The Tipperary Tea Room and Paddy’s Cafe offer a Sunday morning special with Morning Buns.

This year’s food vendors include

  • Mader’s – The Big Kitchen
  • Jimbo’s
  • Mo’s Irish Pub
  • McBob’s Grill
  • Venice Club
  • Lou Mainati’s Pizzeria
  • Sil’s Mini Donuts & Coffee
  • Gingerz Sportz Pub
  • Winston’s Irish Sausage
  • Miss Katie’s Diner
  • Badger Corn Roasters
  • Catalano Lemonade
  • Fazio’s Popcorn Wagons
  • Country Time Kettle Korn & Lemonade
  • Lemon Chill
  • Old Country Style Nuts
  • Catalano Fruit Stan
  • Shamrock Twist
  • Hawaiian Shaved Ice
  • Root Beer Barrel Trailer
  • Cedar Crest Ice Cream
  • Riley’s Good Dogs
  • Mulligan’s Irish Pub
  • Ward’s Express
  • Mother’s Machree’s Strudel
  • Paddy’s Cafe
  • Water Street Brewery
  • Ultimate Confectioners

If you’re looking for great Irish food, you’ve come to the right place! You should try

  • Bridies
  • Sausage rolls
  • Shepherd’s pie
  • Bangers
  • Corned beef & cabbage
  • Stuffed baked potatoes
  • Guinness cheesecake
  • Shamrock cookies

Vegetarian and gluten free food will also be available.

If you’d like to learn more about Irish cooking, try these cookbooks, Click on the links to see how you can save money.

Irish Fest Drinks

And, of course, the Irish Fest will have beverage vendors.

Beverage vendors include

  • Cider Boys Hard Cider
  • Lakefront Brewery
  • Molson Coors Beverage Company
  • Water Street Brewery
  • Jameson Whiskey

Other Festival Attractions

The Cultural Pavilion brings all things Irish & Celtic to the Festival through physical and digital displays. See authentic Irish life quilts. There will be more than 70 exhibitors.

Irish, Northern Irish and Irish American authors will be at the Fest for meet and greet, book discussions and book signings.

Ireland’s rich tradition with the theater is reflected in the Theatre Paviolion with a presentation of a range of plays for your enjoyment.

The Genealogy Tent has displays on DNA, Irish first names, Irish surnames, map of ancestor locations and more to assist you in finding your family.

Discounted Milwaukee Hotels/Airfare

People come from all over to go to the Irish Fest every year. If you’re visiting Milwaukee for the Fest, you should consider the following hotels. They are close to the Irish Fest and have discounted rates.

If you’re going to be flying to Milwaukee, click here and you can save money on your flight.