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From toe-tapping tunes to hearty Irish fare, Milwaukee Irish Fest is one of summer’s most anticipated weekends. And this year, there are more ways than ever to enjoy it without stretching your budget.
The festival returns to Henry Maier Festival Park August 14–17 with four days of Celtic music, dance, food, and family-friendly fun across 18 stages and plenty of ways to save on admission.
All weekend
- Active military, plus one guest: free with valid service I.D.
- Kids 12 & under: Free with no ticket required.
- Seniors (60+): $20 admission at any gate ticket window.
Daily gate promotions
- Thursday, Aug. 14 – School Supply Drive: Free admission with donation of school supplies to benefit Hope House Milwaukee. Donations accepted outside the Mid-Gate entrance.
- Friday, Aug. 15 – College Night: Students receive $3 off admission all day with a valid student I.D.
- Saturday, Aug. 16 – Run/Walk to Irish Fest: Participate in the Arthritis Foundation 5K and get free admission after the race.
- Sunday, Aug. 17 –Hunger Task Force Drive: Free admission 8–11 a.m. with donation of nonperishable food at the South Gate. Guests can attend the Liturgy for Peace and Justice service or enjoy morning refreshments until the festival opens at 11 a.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 17 –Veterans Day: Veterans plus one guest receive free admission with valid service I.D. Veterans can also unwind at the Onóir Lookout, a scenic rest area on the grounds. More info at IrishFest.com/vip.
Special archives promotion
The Ward Irish Music Archives invites guests to help preserve Irish music history. Donate 10 original Irish music-related items at the Mid-Gate, including CDs, LPs, 78s, cassette tapes, posters, sheet music, or songbooks, and receive two free Irish Fest tickets. Copies are not accepted.
Download the free Irish Fest app for maps, food lists, schedules, and more. Additional details are available at IrishFest.com.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
