By Joseph Knoop
Classic Irish craic (that’s “fun” for those of you who tan) is coming to Military Park in Indianapolis with the 20th annual Indy Irish Fest Sept. 17- 20.
A suite of Celtic activities and entertainers are scheduled for the festival, including native Irish musicians and various artisans.
The newest addition to Indy Irish Fest this year is Barry “Jazz” Finnegan, an award winning charcoal portrait artist from Dublin. Finnegan will be onsite creating a commemorative piece for the festival during the weekend of activity.
Celtic rock bands Black Irish Texas and the Wild Colonial Bhoys will be featured during the preview pub concert night that Thursday. Event organizers are making it a point to celebrate the festival’s 20 years by bringing back bands from the earliest years or ones that have never played the festival before.
“People from Ireland, they’re opening their homes to you, meeting people in bars, everyone is just welcoming,” said Indy Irish Fest marketing manager Erin O’Rourke “The point of our festival is to celebrate that Irish culture. I think that was what we wanted to do, celebrate, let people have a good time, and let people experience all the parts of this culture.”
Family activities include sheep-herding exhibitions and the Celtic Canines tent, featuring dogs of Irish breeds. More than 25 vendors selling Irish wares will be included. O’Rourke added that vendors of all price ranges were included for families looking to purchase Irish items on a budget.
Tickets to Indy Irish Fest are $10 in advance for adults and $15 the day of. Students ages 14 to 18 with I.D. may purchase tickets for $10 the day of. Children 13 and under are $5, and children under 5 are free.
For more, visit indyirishfest.com.
