2020 Milwaukee Irish Fest Canceled Due To Coronavirus

MILWAUKEE, WI — CelticMKE, the host and organizer of Milwaukee Irish Fest, has
cancelled the 2020 Irish Fest amid the coronavirus public health emergency. This will be the first time in the event’s history that it has had to cancel.

Organizers say the decision was made now to help mitigate the "growing challenges of the significant planning and upfront logistics required to successfully execute the festival."

The festival, billed as the world’s largest Irish music festival, was scheduled for Aug. 13 through Aug. 16 at the Henry Maier Festival Grounds. The Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School, which takes place the week leading into the festival, has also been canceled, organizers said.

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“We don’t take this decision lightly, but our main priority is the safety and health of our
community, patrons, and volunteers,” said Mike Mitchell, Executive Director of CelticMKE. “To
be fair to all of those involved in the planning process, including our partners, vendors, and
entertainers, we needed to make this decision sooner rather than later.”

Note to Irish Fest Ticket Holders

Anyone who purchased their tickets in advance can either transfer their ticket to the 2021 festival, donate their ticket money back to Irish Fest to help their non-profit, or receive a refund for the cost of their ticket. Ticket purchasers can expect an email from Irish Fest in the coming days, outlining the three options.

Milwaukee Irish Fest will return to the lakefront at the Henry Maier Festival Park the third weekend in August, 2021.

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