From August 14–17, 2025, Milwaukee Irish Fest will transform the lakefront into a living, breathing celebration of Irish heritage — complete with over 100 musical acts, dance troupes, cultural workshops, and culinary experiences. Whether you're a lifelong fan of trad or just discovering your Irish roots, this is a bucket-list event you won't want to miss.
Hosted annually at Henry Maier Festival Park on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee Irish Fest is the largest Irish music festival in the world. The 2025 edition will feature more than 100 acts from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the U.S., and beyond, with 18 stages hosting live music, dance, storytelling, and cultural showcases for all ages.
Buy your tickets now for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Milwaukee Irish Fest 2025!
Check out the highlights of the Milwaukee Irish Fest 2025 lineup:
Must-see acts
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
August 15–17 | CiderBoys Stage
These Scottish rockers bring their high-octane “bagrock” style — mixing traditional pipes with rock anthems like Queen and AC/DC. Expect electrifying energy and crowd-favorite classics that ignite the night.
Cherish the Ladies – 40th Anniversary Tour
August 15–16 | Aer Lingus Stage
This all-female supergroup, led by Joanie Madden, brings four decades of trad mastery to the stage. Their uplifting performances blend vocal harmonies, virtuosic instrumentation, and Irish step dance.
Cherish the Ladies – 40th Anniversary Tour.
The Gardiner Brothers (U.S. Debut)
August 14–17 | Miller Lite Stage / Parkview Senior-Living Community Stage (check schedule)
Irish-American dancers Michael and Matthew Gardiner, known for viral routines on TikTok and Instagram, deliver explosive, rhythm-driven choreography with charisma and precision. This will be their first full festival appearance in the U.S.
The Gardiner Brothers (U.S. Debut).
Skerryvore – 20th Anniversary Celebration
August 15-17 | Aer Lingus Stage
Scotland’s beloved folk-rockers celebrate 20 years with a one-night-only show featuring guest artists from their past tours. Expect driving anthems, pipes, and powerhouse vocals that define Celtic fusion.
LÉDA (Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín & Amy Laurenson)
August 15–17 | The Snug Stage
Blending Irish flute and Scottish piano, this award-winning duo crafts delicate, intricate arrangements that highlight the beauty of Celtic chamber music. A hidden gem for trad lovers.
In the Key of Tradition: Irish Flute Showcase
August 16, 12:15 PM | Parkview Stage
An exclusive collaborative concert with Joanie Madden, Michael McGoldrick, and other icons of the Irish flute. Come for the craftsmanship, stay for the storytelling.
Celebrate your Irish culture at the Milwaukee Irish Fest!
Milwaukee Together: Irish Dance Showcase
August 14 at 5:15 PM & August 17 at 4:30 PM | Miller Lite Stage
All eight Milwaukee Irish dance schools join forces in an electrifying, cross-school performance. A rare chance to see local talent shine in a unified, high-energy set.
Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music
August 16 &17 | Lakefront Brewery Stage / Cedar Crest Children's Stage
See instructors and students from the week-long school perform traditional tunes they’ve studied — an inspiring, community-driven celebration of learning and heritage.
More than music: Explore Irish culture
- Irish Fest Summer School (Aug 11–15), where attendees can learn music, language, and dance
- Authentic Irish cuisine, whiskey tastings, and a marketplace full of Celtic goods
- Gaelic Sports & Games – Try your hand at hurling and Gaelic football
- Genealogy Tent – Trace your roots with expert help from Irish family historians
- Irish Language Village – Learn basic Irish phrases, songs, and customs
- Céilí Dancing – Join in traditional Irish group dances led by experienced callers
- Sunday Liturgy for Peace & Justice – A serene celebration of Irish spirituality
