Make plans for the Marin Irish Festival & Ceílí on the Lake Dance Championships happening at the Marin County Fairgrounds, May 16-17!
Get set for a joyful Beltane celebration of Irish music, dance, food, and tradition!
The Marin Irish Festival is a full weekend of performances, hands-on cultural experiences, and family-friendly fun all rooted in Irish heritage.
Beltane, the ancient Celtic festival marking the arrival of summer, inspires a weekend filled with maypoles, lively tunes, and revelry.
Festivalgoers can explore six stage areas featuring live entertainment, including acclaimed Irish musicians, high-energy dance performances, a dance competition, storytelling, and a free children’s game area.
Back by popular demand, the festival will once again host an authentic feis (pronounced fesh) – a fully sanctioned Irish dance competition in partnership with the Jackie Flynn Irish Dance Academy.
The Ceílí on the Lake Championships (pronounced KAY-lee) brings dancers of all ages together to compete for the coveted Champion of Champions title. Plus, you are invited to join open set dancing sessions led by instructors throughout the weekend.
Live music from renowned Irish music acts, such as The Black Brothers, The Black Irish Band, Avalon Rising, Ceol sa Cheo, Paddy on the Binge, and more.
Bring your instrument, musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in open seisiúin (pronounced seh-SHOON) – open jam sessions – inside the Bearded Goose Pub, a relaxed, communal setting celebrating the shared joy of Irish music.
Interactive cultural offerings include showcases from the United Irish Cultural Center and the San Francisco Gaelic Athletic Association, Falcon’s Court live raptor exhibit, a beginner’s Irish language workshop, and young agricultural leaders and the rabbits, chickens, and cows they raise from the Marin 4-H.
Plus two Irish pubs and a festival marketplace showcasing Irish craftsmanship, including jewelry, textiles, ceramics, artwork, and traditional goods.
Produced by Red Barn Productions, creators of The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire.
“The Marin Irish Festival brings people together through shared traditions, storytelling, and celebration,” says event producer Drew Patterson. “Whether you’re honoring your heritage or discovering Irish culture for the first time, it’s a weekend filled with connection, music, and fun.”
