Milwaukee Irish Festival

Photo credit: VISIT Milwaukee

The Irish Boutique is on the road this weekend at the Milwaukee Irish Festival, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture.  My husband’s family has been going to the Milwaukee Irish Festival for about 30 years (maybe more?).  We even had to plan our wedding around it! Paul and I have been together over ten years now but last year was the first time I ever went to the festival.  It was amazing.

Irish Brigade in 1981 at the first annual Milwaukee Irish Festival.

Photo credit: Milwaukee Irish Festival

There are children’s activities, live music on multiple stages, books and authors, and, for those who like to shop, all of the Irish goods imaginable.  There is a huge gathering on Sunday morning for Mass and 5K run/walk and even a “Celtic Canines” area where you can learn all about Irish dog breeds.  If these activities are too wholesome for you, there are also beer and whiskey dedicated areas including “the Jameson Lounge” where you can sit down for a tasting. My hands down favorite last year was the Celtic Kitchen, an area dedicated to cooking complete with its own full schedule of chef’s doing demos and tastings of both traditional and modern Irish and Celtic cuisine.

And a show during last year's fest.

Photo Credit: Milwaukee Irish Festival

No matter who you are, you’ll find something you’re into.  I promise. It’s definitely worth checking out. You can see all of the events and schedules on the Festival website at http://irishfest.com/Irishfest.htm.  If you end up going, look for my brother-in-law John at the Irish Boutique located in the center of the Festival grounds inside the new covered shopping building. Look for the Irish Boutique banners!

They are setting up as I write this.