The North Texas Irish Festival (NTIF) invites everyone to come out to Fair Park in Dallas, March 6-8, 2020. The pipes.. the pipes are calling us to join the fun at the 38th annual gathering of Irish food, drink, music, and dance. Wear your green and help celebrate Irish and Celtic culture at the three-day, family-friendly festival.
Join the throngs who come from all parts of the country to enjoy one of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S. The Irish Fest features live music, dancing, storytelling, and chef demonstrations on 13 stages throughout Fair Park. Horse shows, beer and whiskey tastings, animal rescue groups, free arts and crafts for the kids, and genealogy research opportunities are also featured.
Southwest Celtic Music Association
Photo: NTIF
Sheri Bush, Southwest Celtic Music Association President, said, “We are honored that people choose to bring their families to our festival year after year. Those of us who volunteer for the festival do this out of love for the culture, and because we want to share that with everyone. From our ‘festival family’ to yours, we hope you enjoy this labor of love.”
Music is at the heart of the North Texas Irish Festival, and the beat goes on all weekend. Musicians from around the world are featured. National headliners at the Irish festival include Altan, JigJam, Lunasa, and The Logues. Also, Ashley Davis, Calan, and Ed Miller and Rich Brotherton. Celtic Aire, the premier Celtic and folk ensemble of the United States Air Force, is also on the lineup. Numerous regional performers will also perform throughout Irish festival weekend.
Photo: Wendus Wong
Fans of rhythmic Irish step dancing (like “Riverdance”) are in for a delightful time at the Irish festival. Dancers of all ages, including some from world championship levels, enthrall audiences with continuous performances on the Tower Building dance stage. Dance workshops encourage visitors to get the Irish spirit at Saturday night’s Dance “Céilí.” The traditional Irish party invites everyone to join in.
Some of the best North Texas chefs bring new culinary tricks to modern Irish cuisine, with samples provided at the Chef Stage. Expert mixologists invite attendees to sample Teeling Whiskey, Glendalough, and others on Friday night.
Kids will love Urchin Street, their special place that mixes education with entertainment, play and fun. Crafts, music, dance, storytelling, magic, and mystery are all featured. Storytellers (called Shanachie), perform traditional Irish stories. Their stories were the way the Irish learned their history for hundreds of years.
Photo: Valerie Johnson
Don’t miss visiting the animal rescue groups, where you just might find your new best friend. Or bring your pet to enjoy the festival with you for a $1 donation. Equestrian shows, sheep herding, and other demonstrations will be performed in various areas of Fair Park.
A NTIF Fun Run benefits the SW Celtic Music Association’s scholarships. The run is Saturday, March 7, from 8-11 a.m. Registered run participants receive T-shirts, bottle-opener medals, one ticket to the fest, and two beers (if over 21). Registration is available at ntif.org.
NTIF hours are 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, March 6; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7; and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. Free admission Friday from 6-7 p.m., or $10 after 7 p.m. One day tickets are $20 for either Saturday or Sunday at the gate. Two-day tickets are $30, and a weekend pass is $35. Children 11 and under are free with adult family member. Discounts are given for seniors, current military members. Leprechauns (in ceremonial dress and carrying a pot of gold) are free.
Photo: NTIF
Tickets are available online or at the gate. Parking is available in and around Fair Park, and DART drops passengers off right at Fair Park’s front gate. More parking tips are available, along with ticket information, at ntif.org.
Southwest Celtic Music Association (SCMA) is the producer and presenting sponsor for NTIF. Almost 1,000 volunteers help in organization, promotion, and execution of the festival. Other sponsors are NBC 5, DART, Entercom, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, Tom Thumb, Albertsons, Scarborough Renaissance Festival, In-N-Out Burger, Guinness, and Teeling Whiskey.
