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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 15, 16,17 and 18, 2024. It has been held on the third weekend in August since 1981. Celebrate all things Irish along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.
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
- Belgian Academy of Irish Dance
- Fearn
- Hearthfire
- I Draw Slow
- O’Darby
- Rory Makem & Donal Clancy
- Screaming Orphans
- Onoir
- The Bow Tides
- Academy of Irish Music
- ‘tis
- Ceili Nights
- Fiddle In The Middle
- Lunasa
- Hugh Irwin, The Kilted Magician
- Paul Ferris
- Milwaukee Scottish Pipe Band
- Rory Modlinski
- Trinity Academy Of Irish Dance
- Chicago Reel
- Atlantic Wave
- Doolin’
- Leahy’s Luck
- Greater Milwaukee Fire & Police Pipes & Drums
- Radiation
- The Byrne Brothers
- The Finns
- Milwaukee Irish Arts
- Ian Gould
- Gray, Gosa, Langby
- Elephant Sessions
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
- Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ – New vendor
- Mo’s Irish Pub
- Jimbo’s
- Lemon Chill
- McBob’s Grill
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
- Tipperary Tea Room
- Badger Corn Roasters
- Catalano Lemonade
- Fazio’s Popcorn Wagons
- Country Time Kettle Korn & Lemonade
- Saz’s
- Catalano’s Fruit Stand
- Little Sweetie’s Wagon
- Old Country Style Nuts
- Hawaiian Shaved Ice
- Root Beer Barrel Trailer
- Gingerz Sportz Pub
- Winston’s Irish Sausage
- Miso Katie’s Diner
- Nashville North/El Hefe – New vendor
- Sil’s Mini Donuts & Coffee
- Cedar Crest Ice Cream
- Mulligan’s Irish Pub
- Ward’s Express
- Mother Machree’s Strudel
- Ward’s House of Prime
- Nute’s Cafe – New vendor
- Water Street Brewery
- Ultimate Confections
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
- Molson Coors Brewing Company
- CiderBoys Hard Cider
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 the following hotels. They are offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
- Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Milwaukee – 30% Discount
- Ramada by Wyndham Milwaukee – 30% Discount
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham – 30% Discount
- Days Inn by Wyndham West Allis/Milwaukee – 30% Discount
- Travelodge by Wyndham Milwaukee – 30% Discount
- The Westin Milwaukee – 20% Discount
- Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel – 20% Discount
- Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee, Trademark Collection – 20% Discount
- Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa – 15% Discount
- Norwood Inn & Suites Milwaukee – 12% Discount
If you’re going to be flying to Milwaukee, book your airline ticket here and use the promo code “SUMMER30” and you can save money on your flight.