Everyone’s Irish at Iowa Irish Fest!

Irish culture is on full display at the Iowa Irish Fest, held annually the first weekend in August in downtown Waterloo.

The three-day festival features international musical performances, Irish dancers, whiskey classes, a high-energy rugby tournament, and the Shamrock 'N' Run 5K—plus so much more. The schedule is packed with family fun, great food and beverage, and a massive Celtic celebration for all.

Did you know that Irish heritage is incredibly prominent in Iowa and the Midwest? Many Irish immigrants originally settled in the region to work on the expanding railroads and in coal mines throughout rural America. If you have Irish ancestry, Iowa Irish Fest provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with your roots, learn more about your history, and experience a living culture.

Educational events are offered throughout the weekend, spanning a wide range of subjects. Some of the most popular activities include immersive Irish dance workshops, traditional cooking demonstrations, live blacksmithing presentations, and expert-led whiskey masterclasses. You can even experience the beautiful, long-standing tradition of an outdoor, Irish-Catholic Mass held in Lincoln Park on Sunday morning.

Now celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary, the massive event spans 12 downtown city blocks and features 8 entertainment stages hosting dozens of acts. This year's stellar musical lineup includes massive crowd-favorite headliners like Gaelic Storm, Scythian, The Young Dubliners, and the Screaming Orphans.

The festivities take over both of downtown Waterloo and Lincoln Park—with a dedicated Family Fun and Learning Area anchored in Lincoln Park. When you get hungry, head over to Mulberry Street, where a vibrant lineup of local food vendors serves up an array of delicious festival eats and traditional flavors.

For a full listing of events, or to buy tickets visit Iowa Irish Fest.

Iowa Irish Fest was founded by Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association (CVICA). Kristina Miller, a CVICA member since 2008, says that it was started by CVICA President Jim Walsh and former Waterloo Mayor Buck Clark as a small gathering in the parking lot of Jameson’s Irish pub. The next year it was organized into a small festival. Since then, this Gaelic gathering has grown exponentially with nearly 50,000 people and 1,400 volunteers participating each year.

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