See the Dogs
Irish Fest’s Celtic Canine area gives your family the chance to see AND pet some of Ireland’s most popular dog breeds. We have 8 different Irish dog breeds! This unique area, unmatched by any other festival, is located on the mid-south end of the grounds, by the lagoon.
Check Out the Children's Entertainment Stage
This family fun and interactive children’s stage features everything from Irish dance to puppetry! Famed Irish singer, Seamus Kennedy will perform throughout the weekend – expect sing-along songs and plentiful Irish stories!
New to the Children’s stage this year is Seo Linn, a youthful band from Ireland; they sing both in Gaelic (the Irish language) and English. In Ireland, they’ve developed programs that educate kids on Gaelic singing and recording. They’ll bring that program to this year’s Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School at the Celtic Kids Camp. Kids who participate in the Kids Camp will be able to join the Children’s Stage with Seo Linn to perform what they learned! So if your child loves to sing, consider signing them up for this unique opportunity!
Make Crafts
In the Children’s Area, just past the rainbow and behind the castle are fun activities that let your kids’ creativity shine, such as arts and crafts and coloring!
Play Mini-Golf & Games
The Children’s Area also features putt-putt mini golf, a Lego area, a Highland games area for kids, and interactive demonstrations at the John Byrne Stage.
Sip Tea in the Children's Tea Room
One of Irish Fest’s hidden gems is the Children’s Tea Room – sip some tea as you listen to an Irish storyteller! This is also located in the Children’s Area.
Watch the Parade
Don’t miss a chance to see dogs, drummers, bagpipers, fairies, pirates, Vikings and more! The Saturday parade starts at 4:30 on the North end of the grounds along the lagoon. The Sunday parade starts at 4 pm.
Catch Irish & Scottish dance/bagpipe performances
Irish Fest’s Crossroads Area is the place to relax and see a variety of entertainment throughout the weekend. From Irish dancers (with demonstrations!) to Scottish bagpipers, the Crossroads area is a great way for the family to dive further into the Celtic culture!
Explore the Wonder of Water
Close to the Celtic Canines area is the Greenwish Village, where kids can pedal a bike to make a sailboat race, play ring toss and other fun ‘green’ games, all while learning about water conversation! There’s also a photo booth area to get a fun family picture!
Be Sure to Snap a Photo with Paddy & Molly!
If you’d like a great Irish Fest family photo opportunity, be sure to find Irish Fest mascots Paddy and Molly!
Quick Tips/Facts:
- Strollers are allowed inside the gates
- If you shop at Irish Fest but don't want to carry your items, we offer a $5 package check area
- There is a Face Painting vendor on the grounds
- If your kids have red hair and/or freckles, they can participate in our fun Red Hair & Freckles contest! Each winner receives a trophy or medal and is invited to be a part of the parade!