Irish Fest: A weekend of nonstop music, dance, food, drink

Thousands of people will gather in one of the most historic areas in Arlington Heights this coming Friday and Saturday to celebrate the 15th annual Irish Fest.

Situated in the historic district of Arlington Heights, the Historical Museum's Irish Fest boasts two days packed with Irish dancing, music, 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 the historic buildings including the Banta House, the Muller House, the Heritage Gallery and Log Cabin.

The entire family will enjoy a huge lineup of Irish entertainment, food, vendors and cultural programs.

Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, but no pets.

Headliner bands close out each evening's performance with Mike & Joe featured on Saturday and Second Time Around performing on Friday evening.

Winston's Market returns with their specialty corned beef.

The Arlington Heights Historical Museum is at the corner of Fremont and Vail streets, one block south of Euclid Avenue.

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

For more information, visit ahmuseum.org or call (847) 255-1225.

Irish Fest schedule

FRIDAY, JULY 25

$5 admission; under 15 free

4:30 p.m. Gates open

5-11 p.m. Fest open

5-11 p.m. Irish marketplace open

5 p.m. Small Potatoes, folk duo, Main Stage

6 p.m. Learn to Jig, Wee Folk Tent

6:30 p.m. Trinity Irish Dancers, Main Stage

7:15 p.m. Glengael Bagpipe Band, museum grounds

7:30 p.m. The Tooles, Main Stage

8:45 p.m. Lucky Lass drawing, Main Stage

9 p.m. Second Time Around, Main Stage

11 p.m. Fest closes for the day.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

$5 admission; $2 ages 3-14; 2 and younger, free.

3:30 p.m. Gates open

4-11 p.m. Fest open

4-10 p.m. Irish marketplace open

4 p.m. McNulty Irish Dancers, Main Stage

4-8 p.m. Odds and Ends Exhibit, Heritage Gallery

4-8 p.m. Wee Folk Tent open

4-8 p.m. Face painting & balloon twisting by Merrymakers, museum grounds

4-8 p.m. Irish American Heritage Center open, Dunton Room

4-8 p.m. Northern IL chapter, Crochet Guild of America, Dunton Room

4-8 p.m. Indoor Games, Arlington Room

5 p.m. Ceili (dancing) workshop, Arlington Room

4:45 p.m. Mulligan Stew, Main Stage

6:15 p.m. Best Legs in a Kilt contest, museum grounds

6:45 p.m. The Chancey Brothers, Main Stage

8:30 p.m. Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, in front of the Main Stage

8:45 p.m. Irish raffle, in front of the Main Stage

9 p.m. Mike & Joe, Main Stage

11 p.m. Fest closes for 2014.