The Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium swap pumpkins for pipers next weekend as the Maryland Irish Festival takes over the Cow Palace Building from Friday through Sunday, November 13 through 15. Organizers describe three days packed with Irish music, dancers, traditional cuisine, cultural exhibits, workshops, and vendors selling Irish goods, according to the Maryland State Fair's event listing.
This year's lineup includes something new: according to WMAR-2 News, the festival introduces a Sunday brunch and opportunities to take part in traditional céilís throughout the weekend. As reported by CBS News Baltimore, Mike McConnel, president of Irish Charities of Maryland, discussed this year's event, which blends traditional and contemporary Irish music with authentic food, beverages, and cultural activities.
Mass, Music and a Midday-to-Evening Schedule
Sunday's schedule leads off with a Catholic Mass at 10:30 a.m., with festival hours running from noon to 6 p.m. that day, per the Maryland State Fair's listing. The same listing notes that the modest admission fee goes to support the many charitable causes of Maryland's own Irish community.
For families weighing a visit, the festival's ticket page lists free admission for children under 18, according to the event's Zeffy ticket page. The same page handles entry for the weekend's full run of performances and activities.
Whiskey Tastings and Dance Performances Round Out the Weekend
Saturday and Sunday both feature whiskey tastings that are limited in scope: each session runs 45 minutes to an hour and caps attendance at 20 people, per the State Fair's listing. Those looking to sample pours alongside the music will want to plan around that limited capacity.
On the entertainment side, the festival's November lineup includes Gaelic Mishap, billed on the event's own site as Maryland's premier Celtic rock band. Dance fans can catch Kate Spanos Irish Dance, which is scheduled to perform Saturday, November 14, from 3:15 to 4 p.m. at the Tullamore Dew Stage in South Hall, according to the troupe's own event page.
Between the music stages, whiskey tastings, and a full slate of workshops and vendors, the Cow Palace Building is set to carry its Irish festival atmosphere across all three days, capped by that new Sunday brunch and céilís throughout the weekend, as described by WMAR-2 News.
