Arlington Hts. Irish Fest opens July 15

The annual two-day Irish Fest is back in its usual location: Friday and Saturday, July 15-16, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum grounds, corner of Fremont and Vail, one block south of Euclid.

Parking is available in the commuter parking lot across the street; do not park in the library lot.

Irish Fest is all Irish all day, with a huge lineup of Irish entertainment, food, vendors and cultural programs.

Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome; no pets.

For details, www.ahmuseum.org or (847) 255-1225.

Irish Fest schedule

FRIDAY, JULY 15

6-11 p.m. Gates open 5:30 p.m. Admission: $5; children under 15, free.

6-10 p.m. Marketplace open.

6 p.m. Finbarr Fagan: An Irish band that offers contemporary, folk and traditional Irish music.

6-8 p.m. Merry Makers: Free face painting with Irish themes.

7:30 p.m. Trinity Irish Dancers: The largest Irish dance program in the world, it has won an unprecedented 32 World Championship titles for the U.S.

8 p.m. The Glengael: Bagpipes in the grand Celtic tradition.

8:15 p.m. Lucky Lass Drawing: All ladies receive a free raffle ticket at admission for this drawing.

8:30 p.m. Larkin & Moran Brothers: One of the most followed Irish/Celtic rock bands in the Midwest.

11 p.m. Fest closes for the evening.

SATURDAY, JULY 16

4-11 p.m. Gates open 3:30 p.m. Admission: $6; $5 seniors & Historical Society members; $2 ages 3-14.

4 p.m. The Muck Brothers: Natives of Ireland, the band plays a unique style of rock steeped in traditional Irish sounds.

4-7 p.m. Wee Folk Tent open with children’s activities.

4:30-7:30 p.m. Balloon Creations.

4-8 p.m. Merry Makers: Free face painting with Irish themes.

4-10 p.m. Marketplace open.

5 p.m. Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society: Members of the band consist entirely of active and retired law enforcement officers.

5:30 p.m. McNulty Irish Dancers.

6 p.m. Best Legs in Kilts Contest: Gentlemen, bring your own kilt or borrow one from us for this traditional contest.

6:15 p.m. Ceili Workshop: Learn Irish social folk dance from the McNulty School of Dance.

6:30 p.m. The Kreellers: Five-piece powerhouse of a band plays high energy music steeped in traditional Irish sound, with a mix of rock, funk and even punk elements.

8 p.m. Irish Raffle: Buy your chance to win from a selection of prizes, including $500 grand prize. Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25.

8:30 p.m. ARRA: Performing the biggest hits by the biggest bands of all times with precision and excellence.

11 p.m. Fest closes.