Countries
Irish Fest
31
Jul
Date
31 Jul (Friday)
Time
Fri, Jul 31 – Sun, Aug 2
Venue
Lost Island Themepark, 2600 E Shaulis Rd
Waterloo, IA, United States
📝 Useful Information
The Iowa Irish Fest is an annual three-day celebration held in downtown Waterloo, IA, primarily centered around Lincoln Park. Entering its 20th year in 2026, it is recognized as Iowa's largest Irish cultural event, attracting nearly 50,000 attendees annually.
2026 Event Details
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitor Information
•Dates: Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026.
•Location: Lincoln Park and 12 surrounding downtown city blocks.
•Typically around $35 for a three-day wristband (2025/2026 pricing).
•Children 15 and under are FREE with a paid adult.
•Discounted tickets for veterans and first responders are often available.
•Accessibility: The event features wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking lots.
•Live Music: Performances across 7 to 8 entertainment stages featuring international and local Celtic bands. The 2026 headliner is the renowned Celtic rock band Gaelic Storm.
•Cultural Village: Demonstrations of traditional crafts like blacksmithing, spinning, and weaving.
•Workshops & Education: Engaging sessions on the Irish language, Celtic instruments, and whiskey tasting.
•Family Fun: A dedicated area for children with crafts, games, face painting, and a rock-climbing wall.
•Special Events:
•ShamRock N' Run 5K and High Nelly Bicycle Rally.
•Highland Games, rugby tournaments, and sheep herding demonstrations.
•An outdoor Irish-Catholic mass held Sunday morning in Lincoln Park.
•Dining: A wide variety of international foods and beverages are available; however, outside food and drinks are not permitted.
•Payment: Credit and debit cards are accepted at all gates and for purchasing food/beverage tokens.
•Amenities: Festival seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Pets are generally not allowed.
•Official Website: Iowa Irish Fest.
Updated at 19 Mar 2026
More in Waterloo, IA
📋 Event Details
🏙️ Cities in United States
Advertisement
📢
Your Ad Here
Reach event seekers daily.