Milwaukee Irish Fest 2025: Your Family's Ultimate Guide

August 14-17, 2025 at Henry Maier Festival Park

Pack your dancing shoes and bring the whole family – Milwaukee Irish Fest 2025 is set to transform the 75-acre Henry Maier Festival Park into a Celtic wonderland from Thursday, August 14 through Sunday, August 17. With 18 stages of entertainment, cultural workshops, and activities designed for every age, this year's fest promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Milwaukee Irish Fest has mastered the art of creating a multi-generational celebration. Whether you have toddlers fascinated by colorful parades or teenagers drawn to indie rock, there's something magical waiting for every family member. The festival's commitment to education alongside entertainment means kids leave with new knowledge about Irish culture, dance moves, and maybe even a few Irish phrases!

The Music: Something for Every Ear

Complete 2025 Lineup by Day

Thursday, August 14 - Opening Night Magic

• 5:15 PM - Niall McCabe (Folk/Singer-songwriter, Ireland) - Lakefront Brewery Stage

• 6:30 PM - The Michael McGoldrick Family Band (Celtic/Traditional, Ireland) - Lakefront Brewery Stage

• 7:00 PM - Trad Rave Irish Dance Party with SuperCéilí (Celtic, Ireland) - The Crossroads

• 7:45 PM - Bog Bodies (Celtic/Indie, Ireland) - Lakefront Brewery Stage

• 9:00 PM - Strange Boy (Indie, Ireland) - Miller Lite Stage

Friday, August 15 - Full Festival Mode

• 4:15 PM - Sliabh Notes (Traditional, Ireland) - Aer Lingus Stage

• 5:30 PM - Kíla (Celtic/Traditional, Ireland) - CiderBoys Stage

• 7:30 PM - Red Hot Chilli Pipers (Rock, Scotland) - CiderBoys Stage

• 7:45 PM - Cherish The Ladies (Traditional, USA Local) - Aer Lingus Stage

• 9:45 PM - Skerryvore (Rock, Scotland) - Aer Lingus Stage

Saturday, August 16 - Weekend Highlights

• 12:00 PM - Radiation (Rock, USA Local) - CiderBoys Stage

• 3:30 PM - The Michael McGoldrick Family Band (Celtic/Traditional, Ireland) - Celtic Roots Stage

• 3:30 PM - Hermitage Green (Indie, Ireland) - CiderBoys Stage

• 9:00 PM - Skerryvore: 20th Anniversary Special Show (Rock, Scotland) - Aer Lingus Stage

Sunday, August 17 - Grand Finale

• 11:15 AM - Niall McCabe, Michael McGoldrick, Nollaig Casey (Celtic/Traditional, Ireland) - Celtic Roots Stage

• 2:30 PM - Hermitage Green (Indie, Ireland) - CiderBoys Stage

• 4:15 PM - Red Hot Chilli Pipers (Rock, Scotland) - CiderBoys Stage

• 8:00 PM - The Scattering (Celtic, Festival Tradition) - Aer Lingus Stage

Musical Stages to Explore

With 18 stages scattered across the grounds, music flows from every corner:

• Aer Lingus Stage - Main headliner performances

• Miller Lite Stage - Family showcase venue

• Celtic Roots Stage - Traditional music focus

• CiderBoys Stage - Contemporary Celtic sounds

• Cedar Crest Children's Stage - Kid-friendly entertainment

• Irish Music Sessions Areas - Interactive community music-making

Family Activities That Create Lasting Memories

For the Little Ones (Ages 3-12)

• Meet Paddy and Molly McFest - Festival mascots available for photos throughout the weekend

• Children's Freckle Contest and Red Hair Contest - Winners get to march in the festival parades!

• Cedar Crest Children's Stage featuring comedy ventriloquism and magic shows

• Storytelling Sessions - "Leprechauns and Irish Tales" will captivate young imaginations

Interactive Cultural Experiences

• Dance Pavilion - Learn traditional Céilí and Set dancing with expert instructors

• Milwaukee Together: Irish Dance Showcase - All eight Milwaukee Irish dance schools perform together (Thursday 5:15 PM, Sunday 4:30 PM)

• Irish Language Workshop Tent - From "Fluent in a half hour" sessions to intermediate lessons

• Genealogy Area - Individual consultations to trace your family's Irish roots

Special Events Not to Miss

• Irish Fest Parades - Colorful processions featuring fairies, pirates, and pipers (Saturday & Sunday 4:00 PM at The Lagoon)

• Milwaukee Currach Club Regatta - Traditional Irish boat races (Saturday 12:00 PM)

• The Hedge School - Fascinating talks like "Fairies, Folklore, and the Spirit World of Ireland"

Food Adventures for Picky Eaters and Foodies Alike

With over 35 food vendors, even the pickiest North Shore kids will find favorites alongside adventurous parents seeking authentic Irish fare.

Family-Friendly Options

• Traditional festival favorites: pizza, hamburgers, and BBQ

• Irish classics: shepherd's pie and bangers and mash

• Sweet treats and breakfast items available Sunday morning

New for 2025: Tipperary Tea Room

Don't miss the brand-new Guinness-chocolate donuts with Five Farms Irish Cream glaze – a unique treat that's surprisingly kid-approved!

Adult Refreshments

• Bunratty Meade - Honey wine from Ireland (new for 2025)

• Lakefront Brewery local favorites

• Special Firkin Taps with whiskey pairings throughout the weekend

• Jameson experiences at multiple dedicated areas

Smart Family Savings & Ticket Options

Free Admission Opportunities

• Children 12 & Under - FREE every day (no ticket required)

• Thursday School Supply Drive - FREE admission with school supply donation

• Sunday Food Drive - FREE admission (8-11 AM) with non-perishable food donation

• Active Military & Veterans - FREE admission plus one guest

• The Arthritis Foundation's 5K Run/Walk to Irish Fest includes admission to the festival

Ticket Pricing

• General Admission: $23 (early bird) / $27 (after July 1)

• Thursday Special: $10 entry

• 4-Day Pass: $70 (early bird) / $80 (after July 1)

• Senior Discount: $20 (age 60+, at gate only)

• College Student Discount: $3 off Friday admission with valid ID

Money-Saving Pro Tips

• Wisconsin State Fair “Dublin The Fun” Package: One State Fair + One Irish Fest ticket for just $24 (through July 27)

• Book early for best prices

• Group discounts available for 25+ people

• See our full guide to free or discounted admission to Irish Fest

• See all Irish Fest ticket discounts and packages

Getting There & Family Logistics

Parking Made Easy

• SpotHero reservations can save up to 50% off drive-up prices

• Street parking rules end at 6 PM Friday/Saturday

• No parking fees or restrictions on Sunday

Cashless Convenience

The festival operates primarily cashless (cards accepted), with cash-to-card stations at each entrance for those who prefer cash transactions.

Family Essentials

• Download the free official Irish Fest app for schedules, maps, and real-time updates

• The festival grounds are extensive (75 acres) – comfortable walking shoes are a must

• Multiple guest services stations throughout the park for assistance

Pre-Festival Preparation

Irish Fest Summer School (August 11-15)

For families wanting to dive deeper, consider the Irish Fest Summer School running the week of the festival. Classes in Irish music, dance, culture, and language are available for all ages.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Thursday Strategy

Start with the affordable $10 Thursday admission to get oriented with the massive grounds. The Trad Rave Irish Dance Party is perfect for getting the whole family moving.

Weekend Highlights

• Saturday offers the most robust schedule with multiple stages active simultaneously

• Sunday features the beloved "Scattering" tradition – don't miss this emotional finale where all musicians unite for a final performance

Cultural Deep Dives

Balance the music with educational experiences. The Irish Language workshops are surprisingly engaging for older kids, while younger ones love the hands-on dance lessons.

Trinity Academy of Irish Dance

Final Family Tips

1. Arrive early each day to secure good spots for popular performances

2. Bring sunscreen and water – it's a lot of outdoor time

3. Let kids help plan the daily schedule using the app

4. Don't overschedule – part of the magic is wandering and discovering

5. Embrace the community spirit – Irish Fest attendees are famously welcoming

Milwaukee Irish Fest 2025 offers families an incredible opportunity to experience authentic Irish culture while creating lasting memories. From traditional music that spans generations to modern Celtic rock that will get teenagers dancing, this four-day celebration proves that the best family adventures happen when everyone finds something to love.

Mark your calendars: August 14-17, 2025. Sláinte to family fun!