The festival will encourage multiple stages of music, dance, and other Irish culture. The Main Stage will feature Celtic-inspired musical acts like The High Kings and Seo Linn while the Cub Pub Stage will feature performances by the Mooncoin Ceili Dancers and Mactir Academy of Irish Dance.
The Cultural Experiences Pavillion will feature demonstrations and lectures on subjects like “The Difference Between Irish & Scottish Music,” a petting zoo, a baking workshop, and more. Visitors are welcome to take part in traditional cèilidh dancing, or can move along to the rhythm however they want. One popular tradition is the “ZeroK Race” where visitors can run a grueling three meters before rewarding themselves with drinks.
The festival area will also feature food and marketplace vendors. Each year’s festival also includes the presentation of the Curtin Conway Award for those who have benefited the Irish cultural community in Minnesota. Cultural festivals often use printing services or trophy shops to help create commemorative awards like this.
Organizers say their mission is:
“To promote and preserve Irish culture by creating exceptional experiences that bring people together from Minnesota and beyond in the spirit of joy and discovery.”
The 2026 Twin Cities Irish Fest will take place on Harriet Island in St. Paul from August 7 to 9.