15th Annual Indy's Irish Fest

Visit Indianapolis during the month of September and drop in on one of Indy’s most well-attended events, the Irish Festival.

At Military Park in the Downtown district, there are a multitude of events and festivities to enjoy at the Irish Festival for the whole family. Taste the fantastic Irish and American food offered by over thirty vendors like Murphy’s Steak House and the Claddagh Irish Pub, and sample many famous Irish beverages such as Guinness, Harp, Killian's, and Bushmills.

The three-day event holds a series of unusual and fun competitions. Experience some authentic sheep herding with border collies and meet the canine stars, watch some traditional Irish Hurling, and listen to the Irish Toast Contest as competitors try to impress the judges with their witty banter.

One of the biggest events at the Irish Festival is the 5K run and walk, where participants make their way through the beautiful Downtown area. For real sports fans, there are rugby and soccer tournaments to enjoy, as well as the Annual Kilted Mile. Participants, dressed in kilts, run a one-mile course on New York Street while Bagpipe bands play them to victory. At the end of the competition, awards are handed out to the person with the Bonniest Knees, Hairiest Legs and Best Dressed Kilt.

Of course, it would not be an Irish festival without the best in Irish music and dance, and traditional and alternative Irish live bands are featured on several stages.

Indy’s Irish Festival closes on the last Sunday with the Celtic Mass held at the Claddagh Stage. On this day, bring a minimum of three non-perishable food items to benefit St. Vincent de Paul food bank before 11:30 a.m. and get into the festival for free.

HelloIndianapolis Tip: Indy’s Irish Festival takes place rain or shine, while pets, coolers, food and beverages are not allowed in to the festival area.

- by Jim Brown , Indianapolis Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)