Pittsburgh Celebrates The Irish Experience
Pittsburgh Irish Festival
Riverplex (between Sandcastle and the Waterfront)
1000 Sandcastle Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15120
Friday, September 9th from 4pm-midnight
Saturday, September 10th from 11am-midnight
Sunday, September 11th from 9am-6pm
(412) 422-1113
Website: www.pghirishfest.org
The Pittsburgh Irish Festival is back, and proudly celebrating its 21st year! Thanks to the rich Irish heritage that is an integral part of our city, this festival enjoys enormous popularity, and this year the entertainment promises to satisfy the crowds of 'Burghers who have made it a family tradition. The organizers, the Irish Partnership, dedicate themselves to "preserving and presenting Irish culture and heritage in the area", and the festival is the yearly feather in their tweed cap. It can boast being the largest Irish festival in the state, and is the only Irish festival in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. The PA tourism office designated the event a "Pennsylvania Preferred Festival."
Children can enjoy special performances and activities, including sing-a-longs and storytelling. One of our favorite attractions is the Irish Dog tent, where you can encounter the regal (and gigantic) Irish Wolfhound. A special Gaelic Mass will also be held on Sunday, September 11th at 10am.
Of course, the centerpiece every year is the music, and the lineup that is planned is sure to not disappoint. National artists including Makem and Spain Brothers and Gaelic Storm will be sharing the stages with local Pittsburgh favorites like Corned Beef and Curry and Red Hand Paddy. Irish dance is always a popular attraction at the festival, and this year performing companies include Bell School of Irish Dance, Shovlin Academy of Irish Dance and the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh. There is enough entertainment to send you reeling. To keep everything straight, check out the schedule here.
Tickets are $10 in advance for adults and $12 at the gate. Senior and students (with ID) are $8. Active and Retired Military Officers, and Public Safety Officers (with ID) are $5. Children under 12 are free. You can purchase tickets in advance by visiting the website.
Insider Tip: Special admission prices are featured on Friday from 4-6pm, when those 13 and over are admitted for $3. Also on Friday from 6-8pm, students (with ID) receive discounted admission of $5.
Erin Marton is a REALTOR® and the Social Media and Marketing Director for PPM Realty in Pittsburgh. She is also the author of the 'Burgh Living Blog. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
