Family

Children's Area
Just inside the mid-gate, on the east side of the fountain, are fun activities, such as Lili-Putt mini gold, crafts, coloring, pot of gold, and more! Be sure to explore the Northwestern Mutual playground and don't miss the family-friendly entertainment at the Cedar Crest Children's Stage, which features everything from musical and dance performances to puppetry and more! The John Byrne family entertainment stage returns this year with puppetry, singing, and Irish storytelling.

Children's Red Hair & Freckles Contests
If you are of the age 0 to 12 years old, have freckles and/or red hair, join the fun! Each winner receives a trophy or medal and is invited to be a part of the pop-up festival parade! Sign-up will be available before the contest in The Crossroads area.

Family Passport
The family passport is a fun way for families to explore Milwaukee Irish Fest while keeping the whole family entertained. Families collect stamps for their Pirate Paddy Passports at stops throughout the festival grounds, while making crafts and gathering prizes at each stop. Some of the areas families will visit while on their quest are the Cultural Area, Sports Areas, Celtic Canines and more. Sponsored by Catholic Financial Life.

Parades
This year parades will take place Saturday and Sunday of the festival at 4pm. Each parade is sure to catch your eyes, ears and imagination, so keep an eye out for some fairies, pirates, pipers, twirlers, and more!

Leprechaun Village
Bring your little ones to visit the Leprechaun Village. They can search for gold and even join a special “Leprechaun Kids Club” for fun prizes. The Leprechaun Village contains a bank vault, pub, performance stage, workshop and many other tiny structures. Not only is the display fun to look at, it also contains interesting educational facts about Leprechauns. NEW this year, we have a very special guest visiting the village. Be sure to stop by to meet Lily, the Lady Leprechaun! She'll be working alongside Liam the Extra Large Leprechaun, entertaining visitors and posing for pictures. Lily earned her "Master Leprechaun Card" here at the Milwaukee Irish Fest in 2017. She has been a visitor every year since we opened the village. She has learned the secret Leprechaun handshake and studied all of the "Leprechaun Lore" as we have presented it. 

Open Friday from festival open until 7:30pm, Saturday from festival open until 7:30pm, and Sunday from festival open until 7:00pm.

Greenwish Village

Greenwish Village is always a "green" place at Irish Fest. At each activity station, children and families will complete a craft or activity that highlights important environmental topics such as recycling, composting, and sustainable practices in the home. Come visit to learn how you can keep the communities we all share in the Milwaukee area clean and green!

Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from festival open until 6:00pm.

Milwaukee Irish Fest's Celtic Canine Area is truly an emerald in the pot of gold. This unique area is unmatched by any other festival. Here, you will have the chance to see and pet some of Ireland's most popular dog breeds, meet and talk with some of the Midwest's top breeders, and learn about grooming, general care and training.

Learn about all nine of the Irish breeds - Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Terriers, Irish Red Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers, and Glen of Imaal Terriers - in our display area that features more than 250 photos, prints and descriptions of Ireland's native dogs. In our demo area, we feature hourly events that demonstrate obedience, agility, hunting and conformation. We are certain you'll be both impressed and entertained by the dogs, who love to keep their owners on their toes!

Other dogs, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted on the festival grounds because of health and safety regulations. The dogs in this area have received special permission and permits to gain access to the grounds.