ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
This year, the Irish Festival in Baltimore City continues the exciting celebration of the Irish music and dance tradition that has been part of our cultural fabric for centuries. In fact, even the name "Baltimore" comes from a Gaelic term meaning "the village near the big house."
Since the city's origins, when the Calverts came to Baltimore from Ireland and helped build this nation, the Irish have taken pride in our culture and in our contribution to this city. In recent decades, Baltimore has emerged as one of the greatest places in the U.S. for the best in Irish traditional music and dance. Nearly every night of the week you can find a traditional music session, where jigs and reels are played while neighbors chat over a pint or a soda. Some of the musicians who call Baltimore home have been awarded the highest honors in All-Ireland competitions in Ireland itself. Many dancers from schools in Baltimore have also taken top honors in the All-Ireland and All-World dance competitions.
During this two-day festival, we invite you to join in the celebration with these outstanding musicians and dancers. See again traditional musicians like The Prodigals, Donegal XPress, Irish Fire, Baltimore Washington Ceili Band, The Hedge Band, and Finvarra's Wren light into jigs, reels, and hornpipes, and songs you won't forget. Come experience the Celtic Rock bands like Black 47 and O'Malley's March rock it up with contemporary Irish backbeats and soulful lyrics that will close out the festival each night.
With special thanks to Mayor Sheila Dixon and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, the Irish Festival in Baltimore City looks forward to welcoming you to our Irish music and dance celebration.
Festival Dates & Times
Friday, September 12
6-9 PM
Saturday, September 13
Noon- 9 PM
