Buffalo Irish Festival returns to Buffalo's Outer Harbor July 28-30

The Buffalo Irish Festival will celebrate the best of Irish culture, music, dance, games and history from Friday, July 28, through Sunday, July 30 at the Lakeside Lawn at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor (825 Fuhrmann Blvd).

Festival hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The festival is operated by the Buffalo Irish Center and the Irish Cultural and Folk-Art Association of WNY. The not-for-profit event is run by volunteers.

Organizers said, “Friday night will kick off with our parade of flags and opening ceremonies. On Sunday, we will open the festival with a Mass at 10 a.m. Those attending Mass will receive free admission to the festival that day. There are a range of ticket options for families and individuals to enjoy the festival for one day or the entire weekend. Admission is free for children 16 and under.” Ticket prices range from $10 to $50.

This year's enhanced VIP experience includes admission for one person on one day of the festival; two complimentary drinks; a Buffalo Irish Festival koozie and a commemorative 20-ounce cup; access to an all-new, exclusive VIP bar serving Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks; premium VIP bathrooms; and a preferred viewing section at the main stage.

Two entertainment stages will feature international and national acts including Young Dubliners (Friday performance only), Tartan Terrors (Saturday performance only), Glengarry Bhoys, The Byrne Brothers, Steel City Rovers, Enda Reilly, and Kilrush. Local bands include Celtic Cowboys, Crikwater, Jerry Shea Band, McCarthyizm, Kevin Flanagan, Rosewood Bridge, and The Blarney Bunch. An expanded cultural tent will provide classes and workshops on Irish literature, language, and traditional music throughout the weekend. There will also be displays and lectures on local Irish history. The Tír na nÓg kids’ tent will have family-friendly and cultural activities.

Attendees can also enjoy demonstrations with the Buffalo Fenians Gaelic Athletic Association and learn about its mission to preserve Gaelic Games and Irish culture in the community. There will be a Cúl camp open to boys and girls ages 5 to 16 on both Saturday and Sunday where children will learn to play Gaelic football and hurling. No experience is needed. For every family participating in the Cúl camp, one adult will get a free same-day admission ticket to the festival. Each participant will receive a Cúl camp jersey, backpack and quarter zip. Register at buffalofenians.com/culcamp.

A vendor tent will feature shops and artisans selling Irish merchandise and wares. Food will be available to purchase from The Banshee Irish Pub, Fat Bob's Smokehouse, the Buffalo Irish Center's Celtic Table, and Green Acres ice cream. Beer, wine, pop and water will also be available to purchase.

Admission tickets are available at www.buffaloirishfestival.com. Tickets for the bar, along with food and T-shirt sales, will be cash only. An ATM will be available on site.