Thursday, August 14
1. Donate School Supplies and Receive Free Admission
Donate school supplies at the entrance gate, such as notebooks, markers, backpacks, etc., for children served by Hope House and receive free admission to the festival. Thursday is our Grand Hooley Preview Night. Only a portion of the grounds will be open.
Saturday, August 16
2. Participate in the Arthritis Foundation 5K Run/Walk to Irish Fest
Registration for the annual 5K Run/Walk to Irish Fest with the Arthritis Foundation includes complimentary admission to the festival. It is the longest-running heritage festival 5K fun run, which is routed down the path of Milwaukee’s beautiful lakeshore! Click here for registration details.
Sunday, August 17
3. Donate non-perishable food items
Donate a minimum of three non-perishable food items between 8am and 11am at the South Gate to receive free admission to the festival.
Patrons are welcome to attend Mass at 9am. Those donating food who choose not to attend Mass will receive a hand stamp valid for free entry at any time that day during regular festival hours or are welcome to remain in the designated section of the South Gate until the festival opens at 11am. A couple of vendors will open at 9am to offer a variety of breakfast options. All donations go to support the Hunger Task Force.
4. Veterans Day
Veterans receive free admission, with valid ID, plus one guest, all day on Sunday. Retrieve a free ticket at any gate ticket window. Thank you for your service!
Ward Irish Music Archives Free Ticket Program
5. Donate Irish music-related items to the Archives
Earn two complimentary tickets to Irish Fest with the donation of a minimum of ten original Irish-related music items to the Ward Irish Music Archives. Items can be dropped off at the main gate ticket window. See what items are accepted!
Additional Ways to Save
Any and all active military members receive free admission to the festival any day with valid ID, plus one guest. Go to any gate ticket window to receive your complimentary ticket. Thank you for your service.
Children 12 and under receive free admission and do not require a ticket for entry.
Go to our tickets page to learn more about admission and ways to save.