Kalamazoo celebrates its Irish heritage

KALAMAZOO--Irish and Celtic bands, artists and cultural activities are highlights of the Kalamazoo Irish Fest Friday and Saturday, June 22-23, at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo.

The festival runs from 4:30 p.m. to midnight Friday and 10:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday. Admission is $8 and $4 for students with a valid ID. Children 12 and under are free as long as they are accompanied by an adult. There is no charge for admission between 4:30 and 6 p.m. Friday or 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturday.

Performances

Friday, June 22

• 5 p.m., Bog Road
• 6 p.m., Quinn School of Irish Dance
• 6:35 p.m., The Sandcarvers
• 7:45 p.m., Kalamazoo Pipe Band
• 8:20 p.m., The Waxies
• 10 p.m., Fonn Mor

Saturday, June 23

• 11:30 a.m., Embarr
• 12:30 p.m., Quinn School of Irish Dance
• 1:05 p.m., Gasta
• 2:10 p.m., Kalamazoo Pipe Band
• 2:45 p.m., Moxie Strings w/ Fritz McGirr
• 3:50 p.m., Quinn School of Irish Dance
• 4:25 p.m., An Dro
• 5:35 p.m., Quinn School of Irish Dance
• 6:10 p.m., Rant Maggie Rant
• 7:30 p.m., Kalamazoo Pipe Band
• 8:05 p.m., The Kreellers
• 9:30 p.m., Kalamazoo Pipe Band
• 10:05 p.m., Belfast Gin

Other festival favorites include food and marketplace vendors, the Tir na nOg (Land of the Young) Children's Center and Heritage Village. The village features genealogy services, an Irish tearoom, medieval lettering, weaving demonstrations, and various historical presentations and cultural activities.

The Irish American Club of Kalamazoo organizes the annual Irish Fest, which this year is sponsored by Dimplex Thermal Solutions, Guinness and Results Radio. For more information, visit kalamazooirish.org/fest.