Since 1984, people have been rallying around the Buffalo Irish Festival. With its Irish music, dance, sports, and culture, the festival has managed to capture the imagination and the hearts of anyone that has attended. The event, which promotes Irish culture and helps to preserve Irish heritage in Western New York. Festival organizers do this by working together with various organizations housed at the Buffalo Irish Center. The festival itself is a banner event that spotlights the heart of the Irish community. Everyone is welcome to attend.
“The Irish Festival is a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate all aspects of Irish culture in WNY,” said Tim Flanagan,, Co-chair of the Festival organizing committee. “This continues to be a family-friendly event and we are thrilled to be returning to Buffalo River Fest Park in the heart of the Old First Ward, a place that many of the first Irish immigrants arriving to our region called home.”
What to expect:
- This year’s musical acts include The Prodigals, Steel City Rovers, The Fenians, Kilrush, Crikwater, McCarthyizm, Almost Seamus, and Yellow Jack.
- There will also be Irish dancing performances by Rince na Tiarna and Harris-Grieco dance schools all weekend long.
- Additionally, the Buffalo Fenians GAA will be hosting an Irish sports camp for children ages 4-16. Participants will learn how to play the national sports of Ireland (Gaelic football & hurling). More information about Irish sports can be found at www.buffalofenians.com.
- There will be vendors, merchandise, food, beverages, and representatives of nearly a dozen local Irish organizations and clubs on hand to promote the work that they do in our community.
The festival takes place on Saturday, August 1, starting with the Parade of County Flags at 11:05 am. The Erie County Sheriff’s Pipes & Drums will lead the procession around the River Fest Park grounds…