Buffalo Irish Festival 2023
The Buffalo Irish Festival will celebrate the best of Irish culture, music, dance, and history, July 28-30 at the Outer Harbor. Festival hours are Friday 5:00 pm -10:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM -10:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM. The festival is operated by the Buffalo Irish Center and the Irish Cultural and Folk-Art Association of WNY. Our not-for-profit event is run by volunteers who are deeply committed to promoting Irish heritage throughout Western New York.
Join us for one day or come for the entire weekend. Admission is FREE for kids 16 and under. Two entertainment stages will feature international, national, and local Irish musical acts including The Young Dubliners (Friday performance only), Tartan Terrors (Saturday performance only), The Glengarry Bhoys, The Byrne Brothers, Steel City Rovers, and Enda Reilly, as well as local Irish bands.
An expanded cultural tent will provide classes and workshops on Irish literature, language, and traditional music throughout the weekend. There will also be displays and lectures on local Irish history.
The Tír na nÓg kids’ tent will have family-friendly activities including Irish sing-alongs and cultural activities featuring Irish pirates including Gráinne Ní Mháille (aka Grace O'Malley) the Pirate Queen, Irish Fairy folklore, and famous locations in Ireland. Plus language lessons, a kid’s introduction to Irish dance, crafts including St. Brigid's cross, fairy wands, pirate shields, and more.
Attendees can enjoy demonstrations with the Buffalo Fenians Gaelic Athletic Association and learn about their mission to preserve Gaelic Games and Irish culture in our community. There will also be a kids camp open to boys and girls ages 5-16 on both Saturday and Sunday where children will learn to play Gaelic football and hurling.
A vendor tent will feature shops and artisans selling Irish merchandise and wares. Food will be available to purchase from The Banshee Irish Pub, Fat Bob's Smokehouse, and others. Beer, wine, pop, and water will also be available to purchase.
Friday night will kick off with our Parade of Flags and Opening Ceremonies. On Sunday, we will open the festival with a Mass at 10:00AM.
