Naperville Irish Fest marks 5 years of music, culture and community
Live music, Irish dance, cultural exhibits, and family fun return to Central Park, Sept. 19-20
Naperville Irish Fest is back for its fifth year, and ready to bring the spirit of Ireland to the heart of downtown Naperville on Sept. 19-20.
Hosted by the West Suburban Irish, the festival returns to Central Park for 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.
Festival hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at Central Park, 104 E. Benton St., Naperville. This year’s Naperville Irish Fest is proudly presented by Woody Buick GMC of Naperville as the Emerald Isle Sponsor, with Spennare Americas joining as the Shamrock Sponsor.
Following another successful year in 2024, the 2025 celebration promises even more excitement. Guests can expect a wide range of live performances, traditional Irish dancing, and cultural exhibits from the Irish American Heritage Center that highlight Ireland’s rich history and heritage.
The event also will feature the Irish Culture Tent; and the Irish Village for unique shopping, and delicious food and beverages. Returning food favorites include Home Run Inn Pizza and The Creamery.
Frank O’Dowd’s Food Truck will make its Naperville Irish Fest debut bringing traditional Irish fare direct from Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub & Grill in downtown Galena. For younger visitors, there will be crafts, face painting, games, and the popular kids’ parade.
“We’re gearing up for another fantastic weekend in Central Park,” said Chris O’Hara, co-chair of the 2025 Naperville Irish Fest. “It’s a place where friends, families, and neighbors can gather to celebrate the music, the traditions, and the fun of Irish culture with no passport required.”
Naperville Irish Fest remains dedicated to both cultural celebration and giving back to the community. In the philanthropic spirit of the West Suburban Irish, the fest will again donate $25 for each person who volunteers their time.
Volunteers will designate one of the fest’s selected nonprofits to receive the donation in their name.
“The West Suburban Irish’s mission goes beyond sharing Irish heritage,” said Linda Dimitropoulos, co-chair of the 2025 Naperville Irish Fest. “We want to strengthen our community, build connections, and make a positive impact while having a great time. It’s why we will once again donate $25 for each person that volunteers their time at Naperville Irish Fest.”
Volunteers get to designate one of the following nonprofits to receive $25 donation in their name: ALIVE Center, Irish Community Services, Loaves & Fishes Community Services, Naperville Area Humane Society, St. Patrick’s Residence, and The Institute of Traditional Irish Music
The festival features live music, Irish dance performances, bagpipers, Irish cultural exhibits, children’s activities, sporting demos, whiskey tastings, food and beverage vendors, and more.
There also will be a Q&A with the Irish American Consulate; History of the Mother Jones Project display; Irish genealogy; two Irish book authors; and Irish hurling and Gaelic football demos.
Kids’ activities include photo opportunities with St. Patrick and the leprechaun, kids’ parade, storytelling, face painting, playground, and Home Depot wood crafts.
Guinness & Whiskey Tastings
Enjoy a guided Guinness experience with Guinness tastings at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at Quigley’s Irish Pub.
Savor premium Bushmills Irish whiskeys in a curated tasting session, sponsored by Floods Royal Flush, with Whiskey tastings at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Quigley’s Irish Pub.
Both tastings require a separate ticket, which includes one general admission ticket to Naperville Irish Fest.
Entertainment lineup
From Irish rock to Irish trad, this year's lineup showcases some of the best musicians across the Chicago area.
It will open at 3:30 p.m. Friday with the bagpipers of the Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville, followed by the McNulty Irish Dancers at 4 p.m.
Celtic Roots, a Chicago-based band known for their blend of traditional Irish tunes and contemporary folk, will perform at 5:15 p.m.
The Larkin and Moran Brothers, a Celtic rock band from the Chicago area, will perform at 6:45 p.m.
Brigid’s Cross performs traditional and contemporary Irish music, along with their own originals, at 8:15 p.m.
On Saturday, dancers with the Bailey Murray Academy of Irish Dance will perform at noon, followed by the bagpipers of the Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville at 12:55 p.m.
The McNulty School of Irish Dance will take to the stage at 1:25 p.m., followed by Small Batch performing at 2:40 p.m. and the Bentley Academy of Irish Dance at 3:55 p.m.
On the Lash offers new takes on classic songs and original constructions of established standards at 5:10 p.m.
Whiskey Mick, a six-piece Irish rock cover band from the Northwest Side of Chicago, will perform at 6:40 p.m.
Classical Blast will close out the festival, melding their rock versions of Irish and Scottish folk songs with music by popular Irish rock bands, at 8:10 p.m.
Tickets
Fest-goers are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. Discounted tickets are $10 each or two for $15 through Sept. 12, 2025. After that date, tickets are $15 each or two for $25. Tickets are available at wsirish.org/IrishFest.
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 not-for-profit 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. Their motto, “Friendship, Fun, Service,” embodies both Irish culture and its approach to achieving their mission.
For over 30 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 our WSI Board, they have brought joy to thousands of people in the western suburbs of Chicago through their charitable giving efforts, parades and festivals, cultural events, and more.