GAELIC PARK IRISH FEST 2026

CHICAGO, Illinois (August 10, 2026) – Chicago Gaelic Park, the heart of South Side Irish culture, hosted its annual Irish Fest Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23, 2026 at its grounds in Oak Forest. As a proud South Side Irish girl who grew up running through the fields of Gaelic Park every summer, this gathering represents more than just a festival; it is a homecoming celebrating the heritage, community, and traditions that raised us.

The three-day celebration features a powerhouse lineup of traditional and contemporary Irish talent, headlined by international and local favorites including JigJam, Derek Warfield & The Young Wolftones, Socks in the Frying Pan, Cailíní Lua, Super Céilí, and The Larkin & Moran Brothers. Beyond the main stages, the weekend highlights the depth of Chicago’s Irish culture through step dancing performances, bagpipe showcases, and interactive workshops in the *Cultur agus Céilí* tent; from *sean-nós* singing to Irish language sessions.

Irish Fest serves as the cornerstone of Chicago Gaelic Park’s year-round mission to preserve and foster Irish heritage across Chicagoland. Established in 1985, Gaelic Park sponsors youth and adult Gaelic athletic games, hosts Irish music and dance academies, provides theatre programs, offers free community cultural events, and supports local neighborhood traditions that keep our heritage vibrant for generations to come.

Location:

Gaelic Park

6119 W. 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL 60452