The Marin Irish Festival is set to return, inviting those around the Bay to join in on some good craic — or fun — this coming weekend (May 16-17). The festival celebrates all things Irish, offering up performance stages, dance, music, crafts, food, and family fun. Inspired by the ancient Celtic festival Beltane, which marked the arrival of summer, the festivities will take place at Lagoon Park on the Marin County Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A musician plays a bodhrán (drum) during the 2024 festival. |Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline
“The Marin Irish Festival brings people together through shared traditions, storytelling, and celebration,” event producer Drew Patterson said in a statement. “Whether you’re honoring your heritage or discovering Irish culture for the first time, it’s a weekend filled with connection, music, and fun.”
The festival will once again host Irish dancers for the Ceílí on the Lake Championships in partnership with the Jackie Flynn Irish Dance Academy. Dancers of all ages will come together to compete for the “Champion of Champions” title. But attendees also will be able to show off their fancy footwork throughout the weekend by participating in open-set sessions led by dance instructors.
Irish dancers on stage. | Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline
The United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco (UICC) will have a “Keepers of the Step” exhibit set up on site. The exhibit is part of a UICC cultural program that “manages, curates, and promotes local Irish step dance history and stories,” and will have dance memorabilia on display.
The live music line-up includes renowned Irish music acts, including The Black Brothers, The Black Irish Band, Avalon Rising, Ceol sa Cheo, and Paddy on the Binge. And, as with the dancing, attendees will be invited to join in on the musical merriment during open jam sessions hosted by the festival’s Bearded Goose Pub.
Musicians perform during the 2024 festival. | Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline
Other activities include demonstrations by the San Francisco Gaelic Athletic Association (SFGAA), getting up close and personal with birds of prey at the Falcon’s Court, and learning a few Irish words during a language workshop.
Single-day or weekend pass tickets are available in advance, with discounted tickets for children 5-11 years. Children 4 years and under are free. Free street and on-site parking is available.
