Get ready to don your green, lace up your dancing shoes, and raise a pint—Madison Irish Fest returns May 30 through June 1. It will bring the Emerald Isle’s vibrant culture to three distinct venues across Wisconsin’s capital city, promising a weekend full of Celtic revelry.

Folks holding up the Irish flag. (Andrej Lišakov/Unsplash)

Three days, three venues

This year’s festival takes a bold new approach, spreading the celebration across three distinct venues throughout the Madison area. The festivities kick off Friday, May 30, with a free pre-party at Awildan Distilling in Sun Prairie from 5-9 p.m., where visitors can enjoy traditional music sessions. Saturday moves to the picturesque Four Winds Farm in Fitchburg from 1:30-9 p.m., before concluding Sunday at the historic Garver Feed Mill from noon to 6 p.m.

World-class Celtic entertainment

The 2025 lineup features an impressive roster of traditional and contemporary Celtic performers, including several award-winners and international touring acts.

Headliners include Reverie Road, recipients of the “Debut Album of the Year” award from Ireland Tonight Radio Music Awards, featuring Katie Grennan, recently named “Female Musician of the Year.” Madison’s beloved Irish rock band The Kissers will also take the stage, bringing their signature high-energy performances that have made them local legends.

Festival-goers can enjoy performances by the Trinity Irish Dancers. The Trinity Touring Ensemble, comprised of dancers who have performed internationally, will showcase their skills alongside students from Trinity’s Madison branch.

For those who prefer a more participatory experience, a Ceili dance with the Capitol Ceili Band offers the chance to learn traditional Irish social dances, while 3 Pints Gone invites audience members to join in on traditional Celtic folk songs and sea shanties.

A band playing traditional Irish music. (Brooke Balentine/Unsplash)

Beyond the music

While the performances form the festival’s backbone, Madison Irish Fest offers a complete cultural immersion. Visitors are encouraged to “bring your dancing shoes and enjoy some of the most talented Irish inspired musicians in the country,” according to the All Events description.

“One ticket gets you access to all three days of entertainment,” notes the event’s Eventbrite page, with prices set at $25 for a single day or $30 for the entire weekend. Children 12 and under attend free, making this a family-friendly option for the weekend.

Visitors looking to fully embrace the spirit of the festival can volunteer for just two hours and receive free admission to all three days — a perfect opportunity for those looking to get involved while enjoying the festivities.

A growing tradition

Madison Irish Fest has evolved since its beginnings. The organizers at Mad Celt Productions have been running the festival (formerly known as Irish Fest in The Barn) for several years. It has grown into an exciting annual event featuring performances by local and national artists while maintaining an all-ages, family-friendly atmosphere.

If you go

When/Where: May 30 – June 1, 2025

• Friday: Awildan Distilling, 5353 Maly Rd, Sun Prairie (5-9 p.m.)
• Saturday: Four Winds Farm, 5735 Adams Rd, Fitchburg (1:30-9 p.m.)
• Sunday: Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison (12-6 p.m.)

Tickets: $25 for one day, $30 for all three days, children 12 and under free
More information: www.irishfestmadison.com

Whether you’re a devoted Celtic enthusiast or simply looking for a rich cultural experience to kick off the summer festival season, Madison Irish Fest provides the perfect blend of tradition and celebration.