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Irish immigrants began arriving in Milwaukee in the mid 1850s, just a step ahead of the German immigrants. Most of the Irish immigrants settled in the Third Ward. By 1848, the Irish made up 15% of the city’s population, which was their highest point.
Milwaukee Irish Fest is the largest celebration of Celtic culture and music in the world. This four day event will be held in the lovely Henry Maier Festival Park on August 13 – 16, 2026. It has been held on the third weekend in August since 1981. Celebrate all things Irish along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.
Festival Hours
- Thursday, August 13 – 5 pm – 10 pm
- Friday, August 14 – 4 pm – 11 pm
- Saturday, August 15 – 10 am – 11 pm
- Sunday, August 15 – 11 am – 9 pm
Entertainment
There will be more than 100 acts performing on 16 stages. You’ll see international, national, regional and local musical talent. Some of the performers include
- Capitol Ceili Band
- Derek Byrne & Paddygrass
- Gaelic Storm
- O’Darby
- Rare Privilege
- Ally the Piper
- Chicago Reel
- The Stirling Latelys
- Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio
- Great Lakes Harp Studio
- Frogwater
- Bog Bodies
- Ronan O’Dochartaigh
- Shana Harnessy
- The Drowsy Lads
- O’jiza
- Jigjam
- Glencastle Irish Dancers
- Diddley Idols
- Milwaukee Irish Arts
- Kinsella Academy of Irish Dance
- Acme Fiddling Company
- The Cosmic Otters
- Wicker Light
- The Foreign Landers
- Mairin Ui Cheide
- Hearthfire
- Hugh Irwin, The Kilted Magician
- Froun & Jonathan Angus
Food Vendors
Milwaukee Irish Fest features more than 35 food stations throughout the park grounds with food booths, food carts and food tents. While Irish cuisine and Irish inspired food is featured at the fest, you can also find tacos, burgers, pizza and more.
This year’s food vendors include
- Jimbo’s Broasted Foods
- Saz’s
- Jack’s Irish Baker
- Ware’s House Of Prime
- Heritage Meat Pies
- Lou Malnati’s
- Sil’s Mini Donuts & Coffee
- Mulligan’s Irish Pub
- Mother Machree’s Strudel
- Ultimate Confections
- Cedar Crest Ice Cream
- Miss Katie’s Diner
- Cataleno’s Fresh Lemonade & Pretzels
- Lemon Chill
- Winston’s Irish Sausage
- Ward’s Express
- Tipperary Tea Room
- Smokin Jack’s BBQ
There will be vegetarian and gluten free options available for purchase.
Irish Food
If you’re looking for great Irish food, you’ve come to the right place! You should try
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Shamrock Cookies
- Bridies
- Sausage Rolls
- Corned Beef & Cabbage
- Bangers
- Scones
- Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- Guinness Cheesecake
- Reuben Shalaylee Roll
- Soda Bread
- Morning Buns
- Irish Lamb Stew
- Corned Beef Hash
If you’d like to learn more about Irish cooking, try these cookbooks. Use the links to see how you can save money on each one.
- The Irish Cookbook with 480 Home Baking Recipes by JP McMahon
- Irish Pub Cooking=
- Irish Traditional Cooking: Over 300 Recipes by Darina Allen
Irish Fest Beverages
The Irish Fest will also have beverage vendors, including
- Five Farms Irish Cream
- Lakefront Brewery
- Water Street Brewery
- Jameson Whiskey
- Bunratty Meade
- Molson Coors Brewing Company
- CiderBoys Hard Cider
- The Cottage
The Genealogy Tent
How did your Celtic ancestors get to the Midwest? This year’s new displays at the Genealogy Tent focus on your ancestors and their travel to Midwestern states and the mapping of their immigration routes. Exhibits on DNA, Irish First Names, Irish Surnames and more will be there to help you on your genealogical journey. One on one researchers will be available to help you.
Gaeltacht
The Gaeltacht, or Irish speaking area, will showcase the Irish language and traditional culture. You can learn simple Irish phrases. Enjoy traditional Irish humor, song, dance and language.
Theatre Pavilion
The Theatre Pavilion reflects Ireland’s rich theatre tradition with a range of plays.
Milwaukee Hotels & Flights
If you’d like to visit Milwaukee for the Irish Fest, you should consider these hotels. They are offering discounted rates.
If you’re going to be flying to Milwaukee, find out how to save money on your flight here.