Irish Fest Kicks off Thursday at Maier Festival Park

MILWAUKEE --- More than 100 musical and dance acts will perform during Irish Fest Thursday through Sunday at Henry Maier Festival Park. One of the featured acts is The Trinity Irish Dance Company professional company of 21 dancers, including eight from Wisconsin, who will be doing a special preview of their new work at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 20.

Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor will celebrate a liturgy for peace and justice at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Gates open at 8 a.m. The Irish Fest Choir begins singing at 9 a.m.

There are also some exciting new food selections this year including the Reuben puff, deep fried chocolate stout cake, the Reuben Boxty and the meatloaf sandwich. Adults may wish to try the Irish Mule made with Jameson Whiskey, ginger beer and a lime wedge or the Jameson/Gilles frozen custard.

Festival goers can also learn about Irish cooking from chefs, including Kevin Dundon, and learn about the sport of hurling from experts.

General admission is $20, $15 for seniors 60 and older, free for children 12 and younger. A two-day pass for Saturday and Sunday is $25 online.

Don't want to pay full price? There are a variety of ways to receive discounted admission to the fest:

Donate school supplies on Thursday to support Hope House and receive free admission.
Get in for half price on Friday.
College students receive $3 off admission with their student IDs from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Military personnel and one guest get free admission Sunday with a valid military ID.
Donate a non-perishable food item by 11 a.m. Sunday for free admission.

The Hours for the festival are 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.