Unleash the Spirit of Ireland: Maryland Irish Festival 2025 – A Celebration of Music, Dance and Culture!

Posted on November 6, 2025

the Maryland Irish Festival (MIF) It is an annual event that celebrates all things Irish. With music, dance, food, drinks, and cultural exhibits, this festival brings a slice of Ireland to the heart of Maryland. Whether you are Irish by heritage or simply love Irish culture, this event promises something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about Maryland Irish Festival 2025Including its history, what to expect and why this event is one of the best cultural festivals in the region.

Overview and purpose

The Maryland Irish Festival is a huge celebration of Irish culture, bringing together the best of it Traditional and contemporary music, Irish dancing, Local foodAnd much more. It takes place indoors Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Marylandcreating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who attends. The festival is organized Irish Charities of Marylanda non-profit organization serving Irish American community For years.

The primary aim of the festival is to provide a platform for celebration Irish heritage While also supporting it at the local and regional levels Charities. All proceeds from this event go to help various Irish-American charitable causes. It’s more than just a festival. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the community while enjoying the best of Irish culture.

Dates and location

the Maryland Irish Festival 2025 will be held from From Friday, November 7 to Sunday, November 9. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a full weekend of cultural activities, this festival is the perfect way to experience the magic of Ireland.

place:

The festival is held in Maryland State Fairgroundsspecifically Al-Baqar Palace buildinglocated in 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093in the Lutherville-Timonium area Baltimore CountyMaryland.

Festival hours:

• Friday: 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
• Saturday: 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm
• Sunday: Catholic Mass at 10:30 AM followed by Feast from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

This convenient schedule allows you to enjoy the festivities in the evening, as well as throughout the day on Saturday, making it ideal for people of all ages.

What to expect at the Maryland Irish Festival

Music and performance

One of the highlights of the Maryland Irish Festival is Live music shows. The concert includes a wide range of musical works, from Traditional Irish bands to Celtic rock And everything in between. Whether you’re tapping your feet to a folk tune or getting lost in the energy of contemporary Celtic rock, the music will leave you mesmerized.

Some of the biggest names in the Irish music scene are set to perform at the 2025 festival, including:

• Panach – A Scottish-Gaelic band that blends traditional bagpipes with drums for a truly unique sound.
• Gaelic incident – A Celtic rock band putting a modern twist on traditional Irish music.
• Roj al-Sham – A lively band playing a mix of traditional and original Irish tunes.
• Bohemia – A band known for their infectious energy and mix of Celtic music and punk.
• Poor man’s maneuver – A folk band with an exciting mix of traditional Celtic music and energetic rhythms.

Irish dance schools

In addition to music, the festival also showcases some of the best songs Irish dancers In the region. Famous Irish dance schools such as Tilyn Irish Dance Company, McHale School of Irish Dancingand Kavanagh Porter Academy They will take to the stage to show off their talent and grace. If you like the rhythmic beats of Irish dancing, you’ll enjoy!

Private sessions

For those interested in learning more about Irish culture, there are many Private sessions During the festival. These include:

• Open session for commercial music -Musicians are invited to join improvised traditional Irish music sessions.
• Ringtones for children – A special session targeting young children, to introduce them to the joy of Irish music.
• Tin whistle and Irish language lessons – Perfect for beginners, these classes will teach you the basics of playing the whistle and learn some Irish words.

If you want to try Irish dancing, it will be there too Sili (traditional social dance) Saturday night at 9 p.m. Ceílí is a great way to get into the festive atmosphere and learn some new moves!

Food, drink and vendors

No celebration of Irish culture would be complete without Irish food and drink. The festival offers a variety of Traditional Irish cuisineincluding favorites like Irish stew, Fish and chipsand Soda bread.

For those who enjoy a drink, there will be plenty of options, from… Guinness stout to Tullamore Dew Whiskey. The festival also offers Whiskey tasting sessions For those who want to explore the different types of Irish whisky. These tasting sessions, which range from 45 to 60 minutes, are limited to 20 guests, so it’s a good idea to get your ticket early.

In addition to food and drink, the festival also features a wide range of cuisine Sellers Selling Celtic and Irish goods. Whether you are looking for Handmade jewelry, Skirtsor Irish themed giftsYou’ll find plenty to take home as souvenirs. Some examples of vendors for 2025 include:

• Tea and whimsy – Specialists in unique Irish teas and gifts.
• Celtic treasure – A collection of beautiful Celtic jewellery.
• American Highlander celt – Providing high quality and customized clothes.

Cultural activities and children’s area

The Maryland Irish Festival isn’t just for adults – there’s plenty for kids to enjoy, too. the Stacey’s Irish Cottage It is a special area for children, where they can enjoy it Storytelling, Sing alongand even get to know the Irish Wolf dogs. The festival also hosts a Fairy queen and Father ChristmasMaking it a magical experience for the little attendees.

In addition to these activities there are Cultural exhibitions and Workshops For all ages. You can get to know Irish languageTry your hand at Tin whistleAnd even discovery History of Railroads in Baltimore. If you’re feeling creative, that’s there too Open mic competitions For musical and vocal performances, as well as photography and skit competitions.

Charity and community support

The Maryland Irish Festival isn’t just about having fun, it’s also about giving back to the community. This event is organized by Irish Charities of MarylandAll proceeds from the festival go to support local and Irish-American charities. Among the causes the festival supports are:

• Charles Carroll House – A historic landmark dedicated to preserving Irish-American heritage.
• Little Sisters of the Poor – A charity that supports elderly people in need.
• Society of Friendly Sons of St. Patrick – A group dedicated to promoting Irish culture and heritage.

It also supports the festival Wreaths all over Americaand partnered with them in a wreath-laying ceremony in December to honor fallen soldiers. By attending the Maryland Irish Festival, you not only enjoy a cultural experience, but you also help support these important causes.

Admission and tickets

Maryland Irish Festival tickets are affordable, with a variety of options to fit your schedule. Below is a breakdown of ticket prices for 2025:

• Adults (18-64): $18 for Friday or Sunday, $25 for Saturday (all day).
• Seniors (65+): $10 for Friday or Sunday, $20 for Saturday.
• Children under 17 years old and Active duty military personnel with an identification card: free.

If you are interested in whiskey tasting sessions, there is an additional cost of $25 For a tasting ticket.

It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and ensure availability, especially for whiskey tasting sessions.

Why attend the Maryland Irish Festival?

The Maryland Irish Festival is not just another cultural event; It’s a complete experience that celebrates all things Irish in a fun, engaging, family-friendly environment. Here are some reasons why you should attend:

• A great mix of music, dance, food and culture That appeals to people of all ages.
• Family friendly activitiesincluding a children’s area, storytelling and Irish dancing lessons.
• Irish food and drink Which will take you directly to the Emerald Isle.
• Whiskey tasting And unique opportunities to taste Irish whisky.
• Charitable cause – Your attendance helps support local and Irish-American organizations.
• Indoor place It means not having to worry about the weather, making it a reliable event to enjoy.
• A Great place for early holiday shopping With a variety of Irish themed vendors.

Practical tips and logistics

Are you planning to attend the Maryland Irish Festival? Here are some tips to make the most of your experience:

• Getting there: The festival is held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, located at 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093. Parking is available, but can be crowded on peak days (Saturday evening), so arrive early to get a good spot.
• Dress code: The festival takes place indoors, but since it’s early November, it’s a good idea to dress in layers. The main festival area will be warm, but the entrance and parking may be cold.
• timing: Saturday afternoon through evening is the busiest time, so if you want a more relaxed experience, consider coming on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon.
• Suitable for children: The festival is family-oriented, with plenty of activities for children, including storytelling, singing and meeting Irish wolfhounds.
• Food and drink: Don’t miss out on delicious Irish food and drinks. Make sure to get your whiskey tasting ticket early, as these sessions sell out quickly.
• shopping: There are many sellers, so if you are interested in purchasing Celtic gifts, try browsing early to get the best selection.

Final thoughts

The Maryland Irish Festival is more than just an event – it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Irish culture, enjoy great music and food, and support meaningful causes. Whether you’re Irish or not, this festival offers something for everyone and is one of the best cultural events in Maryland. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate your Irish heritage and have a great time with family and friends!