Every year, more and more Irish-Americans are embracing their heritage by attending Irish festivals.
Since Saint Paddy’s Day (March 17th) is on the horizon, why not get in the spirit of things by attending a major festival in your area?
All over the USA, people congregate to enjoy the music, dance, and culture of the Irish people – some festivals held at this time of year are centered around a big, festive Saint Patrick’s Day Parade! Others simply celebrate Irish culture with music and dancing…
Almost every Irish festival has an exciting array of live entertainment, including traditional Irish step-dancing and musical groups that add a touch of Celtic flavor to rock, folk, and many other types of music.
Meeting new people and enjoying the party atmosphere is what an Irish festival is all about. There may also be fun workshops where you can learn more about your Irish heritage through crafts, music, and other, Emerald Isle-inspired classes!
We’ve put together a quick guide to a couple of the best upcoming Irish Festivals in America. Since there are more every year, be sure to check and see if there is one you can get to easily.
Often, people who attend the festivals become very interested in making a yearly event of it – for this reason, attendance numbers at most major festivals are always rising! Here’s our look at some great Irish festivals:
LA Saint Paddy’s Day Fest – March 14th, 2010 – from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. –
This Paddy’s day festival is a one-day event, but packs a lot of activities and fun into its itinerary!
Located in the Taglyan Complex, Hollywood, this California event features a wide range of vendors, including wineries, breweries, and purveyors of traditional Irish cheeses, sausages, and breads.
While this event is held inside and doesn’t offer a traditional parade, there is still lots to see, including live entertainment from Steel Rod, a well-known live karoake group.
You can experience the thrill of live karaoke with a skilled back-up band – feel like a star by getting onstage and performing with Steel Rod! A full day of drinking, dancing, and sampling fine foods awaits at this popular festival!
Irish dancing troupe Claddagh Dance will also perform at the event – and watch for an appearance from Drevon the Leprechaun. Tickets are $100.00 each and the event sells out early each year…
North Texas Irish Festival – March 5-7, 2010 – Dallas, Texas
This classic Irish Festival offers all of the bells and whistles! Held at Dallas Fair Park in Texas, it will showcase Celtic music and dance from the Canadian Maritimes this year!
As well as a brilliant roster of live fiddlers, dancers, and other musicians who are slated to perform on the Festival’s nine stages , the North Texas Irish Festival also offers a varied food court that will satisfy any palate.
The Irish storytelling tradition is alive and well at this festival: you can sit back and be entertained by skilled storytellers who come each year to weave their folk tales. Also, consider attending a workshop: there are many at this festival…some topics include Irish History in Song, Bohdrain, and wood flute…
These are just a couple of the festivals you can attend around Saint Patrick’s Day. Be sure to get out and do something that honors your heritage next month. From community parades, to indoor fests and outdoor performances…there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Other Fun Ways To Celebrate –
For a touch of Ireland you can wear every day, consider adding this beautiful Shamrock Charm to your charm bracelet.
Today, there are a whole series of Irish charms that you can collect to honor milestones in your life.