Irish Fair of Minnesota

Overview

The 45th annual Irish Fair of Minnesota, the three-day outdoor celebration of all things Irish, returns to Saint Paul’s Harriet Island Friday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. This family-friendly event is one of the largest and vibrant Irish festivals in the nation.

Since 1980, The Irish Fair of Minnesota has celebrated the union of Irish and Midwestern cultural heritage. Each second weekend in August, Harriet Island transforms into a mini–Emerald Isle providing an authentic Irish experience for all. The Irish Fair is good company, good Irish music of all kinds, and a good “craic” (*Gaelic for “good time”).

Attendees enjoy traditional Irish dance, a variety of food stands, whiskey tastings, Irish sports demos (hurling, camogie, boxing), Irish comedy, a marketplace with handmade goods, educational and cultural programming, and activities for the wee ones. Of course, you’ll hear “Sláinte” (*Gaelic for “cheers”) and pint clinks quite often in the pub tents.

Hundreds of talented musicians and performers will take to six outdoor stages on Harriet Island. From traditional Irish bands and instrumentalists to sounds of the next generation of Irish entertainers, there will be music galore for all to enjoy. A full schedule will be available closer to the event, but here are the 2025 featured entertainers.