Naperville Irish Fest returns to Central Park Sept. 20-21
Naperville Irish Fest is back, and ready to celebrate Irish culture in the heart of downtown Naperville on Sept. 20-21.
Hosted by the West Suburban Irish, this year’s festival returns to Central Park. Naperville Irish Fest promises a lively two days filled with music, dance, food, and fun for all ages with proceeds supporting the West Suburban Irish and its mission to promote Irish culture throughout the community.
After a successful event last year, where more than 3,500 attendees gathered in what was a new downtown location for the fest, this year is set to be even bigger and better.
Naperville Irish Fest will feature a variety of live performances, traditional Irish dancing, and cultural exhibits from the Irish American Heritage Center that showcase the rich history and heritage of Ireland.
Visitors also can enjoy a diverse selection of food and beverages, including traditional Irish fare; visit an Irish Culture tent, and shop in the Irish Village. Naperville Irish Fest also has a host of activities and games for children, including crafts, face painting and a kids’ parade.
“We are thrilled to bring the community together once again to celebrate Irish culture and Ireland,” said Chris O’Hara, co-chair of the 2024 Naperville Irish Fest. “Whether you’re Irish by heritage or just Irish at heart, there’s something for everyone at Naperville Irish Fest. A family-friendly event, we invite all to join us for a weekend of music and shenanigans.”
Naperville Irish Fest is committed to both cultural celebration and community support. In the philanthropic spirit of the West Suburban Irish and to further help our community, Naperville Irish Fest has designated five local organizations as beneficiaries.
“Naperville Irish Fest seeks to honor the vibrant traditions of Irish culture while also fostering a spirit of unity and cultural sharing within our community,” said Linda Dimitropoulos, co-chair of the 2024 Naperville Irish Fest. “New this year, we plan to donate $25 for each person that volunteers their time at Naperville Irish Fest. Volunteers will designate one of our five selected nonprofits to receive a $25 donation in the volunteer’s name.”
The organizations include: The Institute of Traditional Irish Music; Naperville Area Humane Society; St. Patrick’s Residence; ALIVE Center; and Loaves & Fishes Community Services.
Festival-goers are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. Tickets are available at a discounted rate of $10 each and two for $15 until Sept. 12, when they increase to $15 each and two for $25. All ticket sales are online; no cash tickets will be available at the gate. To purchase your tickets, visit wsirish.org/IrishFest.
The festival will be 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Central Park, 104 E. Benton St. in downtown Naperville.
There will be live music, Irish dance performances, bagpipers, Irish cultural exhibits, children’s activities, sporting demos, whiskey tastings, food and beverage vendors, and more.
Learn about Irish culture with: a Q&A with the Irish American Consulate; displays on the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and the Mother Jones Project; dual citizenship discussion; bagpipe demos and information about lessons; and Irish hurling and Gaelic football demos
The kids’ activities include: St. Patrick and Leprechaun photo opportunities; kids' parade, storytelling and playground; face painting; making a Fairy door and Brigid’s Cross; and Home Depot wood crafts.
The entertainment stage opens on Friday with bagpipe music by the Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville at 2:45 p.m. and again at 5:50 p.m.
The Joyce Boys will be playing Irish music classics at 3 p.m., followed by students with the McNulty School of Irish Dance performing at 4:10 p.m.
Small Batch will feature acoustic guitar, traditional bodhran, Irish fiddle, and lush harmonies at 5:15 p.m.
The Larkin and Moran Brothers, a Celtic rock band, will take the stage at 6:35 p.m.
Celtic Roots, a Chicago area Irish Celtic rock band, will close out the evening at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, the festival stage will open with Jimmy Keane & Jimmy Moore at noon.
Students in the Hogan Irish Dance Academy will perform at 1:10 p.m. with the McNulty School of Irish Dance at 3:20 p.m. and Bentley Academy of Irish Dance at 4:15 p.m.
Enjoy performances by musicians of all ages at Institute of Traditional Irish Music (formerly Murphy Roche Irish Music Club) at 2:10 p.m., as well as bagpipe music by the Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville at 3:10 and 5 p.m.
Mulligan Stew will perform traditional Irish music, rock, bluegrass and country at 5:15 p.m.
The STEAM Irish Quartet will perform traditional Irish music at 6:35 p.m., and The Avondale Ramblers will close out the festival, blending folk, rock, blues, country and even gospel, at 8:15 p.m.
For more information about the Naperville Irish Fest, including the schedule of events and vendor details, visit wsirish.org/IrishFest.
About Naperville Irish Fest
Hosted by the West Suburban Irish, Naperville Irish Fest celebrates and promotes Irish culture and heritage through a vibrant community event that brings people together. The Fest aims to foster a sense of unity, cultural exchange, and tradition while supporting local nonprofits and enriching the lives of those in our community. In the philanthropic spirit of the West Suburban Irish, Naperville Irish Fest has a commitment to both cultural celebration and community support.
About West Suburban Irish
West Suburban Irish Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Naperville, whose mission is to cultivate a genuine appreciation and understanding of Irish heritage, culture, language, music, art, literature, and sports across the communities in the western suburbs of Chicago. Its motto, “Friendship, Fun, Service,” embodies both Irish culture and our approach to achieving its mission.
For 30-plus years, WSI has cultivated a genuine appreciation and understanding of Irish heritage by fostering a robust social network of members, volunteers, artists, and enthusiasts across our local communities. Guided by the WSI board, they have brought joy to thousands of people in the western suburbs of Chicago through our charitable giving efforts, parades and festivals, cultural events, and more.