Have you heard that there is an annual Irish Festival right here in Detroit?
This year is the 10th year since this festival first began and families with Irish heritage have come together to enjoy all that an Irish festival offers. This festival is an event featured in Southeast Michigan, specifically located in Livonia. The Motor City Irish Fest brings together the Irish and their friends to celebrate Irish culture with music, dance, food and drink, exhibits, and activities for children. But mainly, this event brings together everyone for a great weekend full of fun and lots of activities.
Whether you are someone looking to dig into the family roots or even just experience a new event, here are five reasons to check out the festival.
The Music
Take a weekend away from normal weekend activities and check out this Irish-themed event where you'll experience 15+ bands playing Irish and Celtic music in two different tents. The headliner band this year will be Byrne Brothers who, originally from Ireland, now resides in Florida. Irish music is also known as Gaelic folk music which is powered by the sounds of fiddles, flutes and stomping feet. Expect dancing feet and clapping hands as music will fill the air around here.
The Activities
Along with the live music, this family-friendly event will feature a tent to expore the history and culture of Ireland with activities as well. Some activities include Irish dancing, Irish football demonstrations, a .001-K Run, and a kid's tent will also be available. The kid's tent will include crafts, tin whistle lessons, the Kilted Magician, beginning Irish dance lessons, bounce houses, face painters, and more. Another tent will feature displays of Irish heritage along with presentations on the Traveling People (Tinkers) of Ireland and the influence they had on Irish music history and other cultural presentations. If this wasn't enough to do, know there are also vendors that set up their shops at the festival. These Irish vendors sell handcrafted goods, clothing, jewelry and decor. There really is something for everyone.
The Dancing
If you were wondering if this Irish Fest has Irish dancing, the answer is yes. The Motor City Irish Fest will feature over twenty Irish bands, five Irish dance groups, pipe & drum bands, and even a stunt group from Ann Arbor that gives the experience of comedy, fire acts, swords, and of course audience participation.
Irish dancing is tied closely to the country's music, so many dance troupes will join the musical acts. Two local studios, including Motor City Irish Dance and Ardan Academy of Irish Dance will both have performances this weekend.
If any kids want to join in on the fun, the festival has free beginner Irish dance lessons for children as one of its family-friendly activities in the children's tent.
Food & Drinks
After a few hours of enjoying the events and activities, the next festivity is the traditional food options. From fish and chips, bangers and mash, corned beef sandwiches, pizza, burger and ice cream, there is a type of food that everyone in your family will like along with some tempting options as well.
It wouldn't be an Irish Fest without some adult beverages. Both music tents will be equipped with beers tents so concert-goers don't need to miss any fun to grab a brew. There will be plenty of Guinness, Smithwicks and hard cider to go around. Along with the beer options, this festival is also known for its whiskey tastings. Each of the three days will host a whiskey tasting, and folks can always pop into the whiskey tent to give one of the Irish-style drinks a try.
The Causes
Aside from celebrating the Irish culture and Irish-Americans in metro Detroit, some of the money generated from the festival goes to benefit the community. Redford Union schools receive the parking funds from the weekends, and several other organizations use the weekend as a way to raise money for charitable causes.
Tickets for the Motor City Irish Fest will be available at:
- Murphy's Restaurant- 26009 Five Mile Road, Redford
- Greenmead - 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia
- Online at motorcityirishfest.com
Tickets are $10 in advance per day or $12 at the gate on the day. Teens ages 13-17 are $7. Weekend passes are $25. Parking $5 per day per car.
Date:
- Friday, June 11, 2021 - 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 12, 2021 - 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday, June 13, 2021 - 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location:
Greenmead Historic Park - 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48152
For information visit www.motorcityirishfest.com.
