Tuesday, February 22, 2022

40th North Texas Irish Festival - Back in Fair Park March 4-6

The North Texas Irish Festival makes its jubilant return to Dallas’s Fair Park March 4-6, bringing with it all the music, dance, culture and excitement that this well-loved, family-friendly event creates to celebrate the rich tradition of Irish and Celtic culture. In celebration of this 40th festival, the event’s theme, “40 Shades of Green,” recognizes the rich culture of Irish music and the organic growth of this Irish tradition in North Texas, made possible by 40 years of volunteers dedicated to keeping traditions alive to share with all. Tickets are on sale now.

This family-friendly event features live music, dancing, storytelling, chef demonstrations and more on multiple stages, both indoors and outdoors, throughout Fair Park. Attendees will also enjoy horse shows, fencing demonstrations, sheepherding demonstrations, beer and whiskey tastings, genealogy research opportunities, shopping, animal rescue groups, child-friendly entertainment, and free arts and crafts for the kids.

“We are elated to be back in person, sharing our love of Irish music and tradition with everyone,” said Sheri Bush, president of the Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc., the organization that produces the North Texas Irish Festival and provides music and dance scholarships to local students. “The heart of our festival is our volunteers who take this opportunity every year to create a truly Irish experience for everyone.” Unique as the largest cultural celebration in DFW, the North Texas Irish Festival is produced annually by almost 1,000 volunteers, some of whom have volunteered for decades, often alongside generations of their families.

The indoor-outdoor festival takes place rain or shine. Masks are strongly recommended but not required when visiting indoor spaces, and all festival volunteers will be masked. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the festival.

Hours, Admission and Location

Gates open on Friday evening, March 4, at 6 p.m. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5; and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 6.

Tickets for the North Texas Irish Festival are available online. Admission is FREE on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.; $10 after. A one-day ticket is $25 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday at the gate, while a weekend pass is $40. Discount tickets are available at area Tom Thumb and Albertsons stores for $15 for a one-day ticket. Children 11 and under are FREE when accompanied by adult family member. Seniors over 65 or current military members (with valid military ID) receive $5 off all gate prices. Dogs are allowed in on a short leash with a $1 requested donation to animal rescue groups supported by the festival. Leprechauns (in full ceremonial dress and carrying pot of gold) are FREE.

Parking is available in and around Fair Park, or attendees can take DART (take the Green Line!) to the front entrance of Fair Park and the North Texas Irish Festival. Detailed directions and parking tips are available online. The public can call (214) 821-4173 or visit www.ntif.org for more information or to volunteer to work at the festival.