What to know about 2023 Milwaukee Irish Fest

Drew Dawson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·3 min read

Milwaukee hosts the biggest Irish festival in the world each year, and it is back for 2023.

The four-day Irish Fest draws massive crowds to the Summerfest grounds for music, food and other cultural enrichment.

For those interested in attending the event this year, here's what you should know.

Milwaukee Irish Fest
Milwaukee Irish Fest

When is 2023 Milwaukee Irish Fest?

August 17-20. The hours of operation are:

  • Thursday: 5 to 10 p.m.

  • Friday: 4 p.m. to midnight

  • Saturday: noon to midnight

  • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where does 2023 Irish Fest take place?

At the Henry W. Maier Festival Park, 200 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee.

Who are the 2023 Irish Fest headliners? What is the Irish Fest lineup?

There are over 100 acts performing at 2023 Irish Fest. Some of the notables are Gaelic Storm (who play Friday, Saturday and Sunday), The Coronas (also playing Friday, Saturday and Sunday), Scythian (playing five sets throughout the weekend) and Hermitage Green (playing Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

You can find the complete schedule and lineup on the Irish Fest website.

How much are tickets?

Ticket prices vary by day and can be purchased online ahead of the event or in-person.

Ticket prices are listed as:

  • Thursday: $5

  • Friday: $13 if you purchase by Aug. 1; $17 from Aug. 2 through event

  • Saturday: $20 if you purchase by Aug. 1; $25 from Aug. 2 through event

  • Sunday: $20 if you purchase by Aug. 1; $25 from Aug. 2 through event

  • Four-day festival pass: $55 if you purchase by Aug. 1; $68 from Aug. 2 through event

  • 60+ Senior Citizens: $17 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday

  • Children 12 and under: Free admission

There are other deals and discounts for things like being an active military member or making donations of canned goods, school supplies or 10 original Irish music related items. For those looking for these discounts, be sure to go to the will-call windows before entering. You can learn more about these and ticket prices on the Irish Fest website.

What is the bag policy?

Irish Fest does not allow any backpacks or bags larger than 9 in. by 10 in. by 12 in. All bags are subject to search upon entry.

Other items not allowed at the festival are aerosol sunscreens larger than six ounces, wagons and stainless water bottles. You can find more information on the Irish Fest website.

What's the parking situation at Irish Fest?

The event itself does not offer parking, but there is a good amount street parking that fills up fast as well as paid parking lots and parking structures near the festival grounds.

Is the festival wheelchair accessible?

The Summerfest grounds are wheelchair and ECV accessible. Wheelchairs are available for rent for patrons over the age of 18. Rentals cost $10 for the day and a valid driver's license is held until the wheelchair is returned. Wheelchair rentals are first come, first serve.

Are there shuttles and buses that will take me to Irish Fest?

Yes! Some local bars and restaurants offer shuttle rides to and from Irish Fest. The festival does not keep a list so you'll have to find them on your own. Many bars and restaurants that offer shuttles for other events at Summerfest grounds also offer shuttles to Irish Fest.

For city bus routes, Irish fest recommends:

  • The Connect 1 BRT Line

  • GreenLine

  • Route 14

  • Route 15

  • Route 18

  • Route 30

For more information on parking and bus routes, see Irish Fest's website.

Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: When, where and what to know about 2023 Milwaukee Irish Fest