Irish Fest has new location in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Kalamazoo’s 16th annual Irish Fest will be Friday and Saturday, June 17-18, at a new location, Old Dog Tavern, 402 E. Kalamazoo Ave., in downtown Kalamazoo.

The festival will kick off at 4 p.m. Friday with live entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. on Old Dog's outdoor stage until 1 a.m. Festivities will continue the following day at 11 a.m. with bands and dancers on outdoor and indoor stages concurrently from noon until 1 a.m.

About the festival

Entertainment will include a variety of Celtic bands and performers in addition to Irish Step dancers, a kilt contest, and the greenest eyes, reddest hair, and most freckles contests.

Kalamazoo Irish Fest has been held at Arcadia Creek Festival Place in the past.

Tickets are $10. Children under 12 are free if accompanied by an adult.

The Irish American Club of Kalamazoo organizes the annual event, which is sponsored by Dimplex Thermal Solutions, Guinness, FM 106.5 WVFM, AM 590 WKZO, Gallagher's Eatery, Old National Bank, Ron Jackson Insurance and Paw Paw Wine Distributors.

For more information, visit kalamazooirish.org.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.