To alter an Irish saying, “a good festival is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.” Such is the case with Milwaukee Irish Fest, set to return to Henry Maier Festival Park Thursday, Aug. 13, through Sunday, Aug. 16.
Since its founding in 1981, the festival has brought generations together for four days of live music, dance, cultural exhibits, sporting demonstrations and authentic cuisine along Milwaukee’s lakefront.
Today, the organization announced its 2026 entertainment lineup and a limited-time buy-one, get-one-free promotion on general admission tickets.
Among the returning headliners are Gaelic Storm, Gardiner Brothers, Altan, Scythian, Eileen Ivers and JigJam. Artists making their Irish Fest debut include rock-infused traditional Irish quartet Wickerlight; the all-female traditional Irish powerhouse Biird; Irish American folk and roots duo Campbell and Jensen; and viral social media bagpiper Ally the Piper.
With more than 16 stages of entertainment, Irish Fest offers one of the most expansive celebrations of Irish culture in the world.
“The lineup reflects the evolving sounds of Ireland today while honoring the deep traditions that have defined the festival for more than four decades,” said Molly Modlinski, festival director. “There is a wide variety of music to discover across all of our stages.”
The BOGO promotion runs through Wednesday, March 18, and offers the lowest available price on admission to the festival.
To view the full lineup and get BOGO tickets go to irishfest.com.