Arlington Hts. Irish Fest is July 26-27

Thousands will gather in one of the most historic areas in Arlington Heights to celebrate the 14th annual Irish Fest July 26-27.

Situated in the historic district of Arlington Heights, the Historical Museum’s Irish Fest boasts two days packed with Irish dancing, heritage, fun and food.

All proceeds benefit the historical museum and help to fund educational programs, permanent and traveling exhibits, a local historical artifacts and research library as well as programs and events in our historic buildings including the Banta House, the Muller House, the Heritage Gallery and Log Cabin.

Irish Fest is all Irish all day for the entire family with a huge lineup of Irish entertainment, food, vendors and cultural programs. Fans of all things Irish can spend two days on the beautiful 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 its specialty corned beef and other items as food vendor for the 14th annual Irish Fest. Bring your appetites for some great Irish fare.

Arlington Heights Historical Museum is at the corner of Fremont and Vail streets, one block south of Euclid. Park in the commuter parking lot across the street. Please do not park in the library lot.

For details visit ahmuseum.org or call (847) 255-1225.

Entertainment schedule

FRIDAY, JULY 26

Gates open 4:30 p.m. $5 admission; under 15 free.

5-6:15 p.m. Irish Heritage Singers, traditional Irish and Irish-American songs and music by contemporary Irish choral composers.

6-8 p.m. Wee Folk Tent: Merry Makers, free face painting with Irish themes and balloon twisting

6-10 p.m. Marketplace open.

6:30-7 p.m. Trinity Irish Dancers, the largest Irish dance program in the world with 32 World Championship titles.

7:15 p.m. The Glengael Bagpipe Band, bagpiping in the grand Celtic tradition.

7:30-8:45 p.m. Dooley Brothers, entertaining for over 30 years with delightful banter music that includes Irish, swing, jazz and calypso.

8:45 p.m. Lucky Lass Drawing, all ladies receive a free raffle ticket at admission.

9-10:30 p.m. Second Time Around, classic rock band featuring nine musicians.

11 p.m. Fest closes for evening.

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. $7 admission; $6 seniors and Historical Society members; $2 ages 3-14.

4 p.m. McNulty Irish Dancers — One of the largest, most active dance schools in the Midwest.

4-7 p.m. Heritage Gallery exhibit: A Kid at Heart/Looking at Childhood Play

4-8 p.m. Wee Folk Tent open

4-8 p.m. Merry Makers, free face painting with Irish themes and balloon twisting.

4-8 p.m. Dunton Room hosts the Irish American Heritage Center and the Northern Illinois Chapter of Crochet Guild of America.

4-8 p.m. Indoor games in the Arlington Room.

4-10 p.m. Marketplace open.

4:45-6:15 p.m. Mulligan Stew, on Irish/Celtic music scene since 1978. Traditional Irish music, Irish drinking songs, folk, rock, bluegrass & country.

6:15 p.m. Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society; band members are active and retired law enforcement officers from the rank and file of federal, state, county, Chicago and suburban police departments.

6:45-8:15 p.m. The Gleasons, original music and stylized traditional material.

8:30 p.m. Best Legs in a Kilt Contest. Gentlemen, bring your own kilt or borrow one from us.

8:45 p.m. Irish Raffle. A selection of prizes, including $500 grand prize. Tickets $5 each or 6 for $25.

9-10:30 p.m. Red Rebel County — The premier Dropkick Murphys/Flogging Molly cover band in the country. Also cover Mumford & Sons, The Pogues, and other drinking music.

11 p.m. Fest closes