Arlington Hts. Irish Fest kicks off July 27
Irish Fest is all Irish all day for the entire family, with a huge line up of Irish entertainment, food, vendors and cultural programs. Fans of all things Irish can spend two days on the Arlington Heights Historical Museum grounds immersed in sounds, smells and tastes of Ireland. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. No pets please.
Winston’s Market returns with their specialty corned beef and other items, as food vendor for the 13th annual Irish Fest. Bring your appetites for some great Irish fare.
Arlington Heights Historical Museum is at Fremont and Vail streets, one block south of Euclid. Parking is available in the commuter lot across the street. Please do not park in the library lot.
For information, visit ahmuseum.org or call 847-255-1225
Irish Fest
FRIDAY, JULY 27
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Admission: $5; under 15 free.
6 p.m. Small Potatoes. Folk music duo of Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso play a diverse repertoire “Celtic to Cowboy.”
6-8 p.m. Merry Makers. Free face painting with Irish themes and balloon twisting.
7:30 p.m. Trinity Irish Dancers. Largest Irish dance program in the world has won 32 World championships.
8 p.m. The Glengael. Bagpiping in the grand Celtic tradition
8:30 p.m. Lucky Lass Drawing. All ladies receive a free raffle ticket at admission.
8:30 p.m. The Kreellers. Five-piece powerhouse band; high-energy music steeped in traditional Irish sound.
11 p.m. Fest closes for evening.
SATURDAY, JULY 28
Gates open at 3:30 p.m. Admission: $7; $6 seniors and Historical Society members; $2 ages 3-14.
4 p.m. McNulty Irish Dancers. One of the largest schools in the Midwest.
4:30-5:45 p.m. The Dooley Brothers. The Dooleys have entertained for over 30 years with delightful banter and Irish, swing, jazz and calypso music.
4-8 p.m. Merry Makers. Free face painting with Irish themes and balloon twisting.
4-8 p.m. Wee Folk Tent open with children’s activities.
4-8 p.m. Irish American Heritage Center display.
4-8 p.m. Northern Illinois Chapter of the Crochet Guild of America.
5:45 p.m. Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society. Members consist of active and retired law enforcement officers.
6:15-7:30 p.m. The Gleasons. Original music and stylized traditional material from this Milwaukee-based band.
7:45 p.m. Best Legs in a Kilt Contest. Gentlemen, bring your own kilt or borrow one from us.
8:15 p.m. Irish Raffle. Tickets $5 each or six for $25. A selection of prizes, including a $500 grand prize.
8:30-10:30 p.m. Bella Cain. A new, young, high-energy six-piece Top 40 country band with a big guitar sound, five-part harmonies, fiddle, steel guitar, piano, banjo, a solid rhythm section and both male/female vocals.
11 p.m. Fest closes