More Than Music at the Michigan Irish Music Festival!

Michigan Irish Music Festival is a 4-day festival in beach-town Muskegon, Michigan. It has been presenting Irish and Celtic music, dance, culture, food and fun since 1999.

The mission of the organization is "To produce a world-class Music Festival that promotes Irish culture and heritage, enhancing the community as a destination through entertainment, tourism, education, and philanthropy."

Accordingly, philanthropy shines through with over $337,000 dollars and nearly 25,000 pounds of food donated to the Muskegon community since 2008.

The location is beautiful Heritage Landing, in the heart of downtown Muskegon, and right on the shore of Muskegon Lake. Guests can listen to the biggest names in Celtic music on multiple stages. Offering a gamut of traditional and current styles, and a wide range of voices and instruments, musicians and artists flock from around the state, the nation, and all over the world!

Cultural Experiences at the Michigan Irish Music Festival

The Michigan Irish Music Festival is rich in culture, celebrating both life in Ireland and here in the states as Irish Americans. Through various art forms on multiple stages and areas of the festival grounds, there are abundant opportunities for fun, education, and interaction.

Grafton Street

A recent addition to the festival is "Grafton Street", where one can wind their way to an area named for a famous street in Dublin. Grafton Street, in Ireland, is known for street art and music. Michigan's Grafton Street hosts the Session Tent; a drop-in music circle inspired by the Irish tradition of “session music.” Also in this area, you can find live music, dance, storytelling, and more. Yard games and local craft cocktails from Wonderland Distillery add to the good-time-spirit!

Irish Life & History

Dig into a deeper understanding of the Irish and their culture. Growing up in an Irish-speaking home, the Irish diaspora, the history of crios belt weaving... These are just a handful of presentations one can sit in on.

Celtic Canines

Come meet all the dog breeds originated from the Emerald Isle. Learn about what each breed was originally designed to do. 

Wake House

Get a glimpse into the unique tradition of an Irish wake. Three days filled with dancing, drinking, and singing as a celebration of life.

Catholic Mass

Patrons are invited to gather at the festival’s G&L Cork Stage for traditional Catholic Mass on Sunday morning.

Literature & Creative Arts

Experience Irish literature and creative arts like never before. It must be remembered that many of the world’s prolific writers, playwrights, and artists were of Irish heritage. Irish Language, the Book of Kells, Celtic mythology, WB Yeats - information on these and more are available.

Did you know Muskegon's Hackley Library is home to what may be the only copy on permanent (and free!) display in a public library in North America? Click to above to watch a video on it!

Music Education & Performance

Reignite your passion for music! Throughout the weekend, festival musicians offer intimate solo concerts and interactive how-to workshops for instruments like the tin penny-whistle and the Bodhran, a traditional Irish drum.

Wee Ones of All Ages

Wee ones can be whisked away by Irish tales and storytelling. Stop by the Wee One’s tent for a variety of crafts and free face-painting; available all weekend long.

Food & Shopping

In addition to festival favorites like elephant ears and taco trucks, find authentic Irish fare in the Celtic Kitchen at Michigan Irish Music Festival. Feast on delicacies like corned beef, fish and chips and potato soup! Of course, beverage stations offer classics like Irish Fest Stout, Five Farms Irish Cream, Magner’s Irish Cider, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Bring your Christmas list! Shoppers love the abundance of Irish-made and local goods. Discover things like imported wool sweaters and fresh baked scones from dozens of vendors at both the Irish Market and the Irish Store.

Something for Everyone

Whether you find yourself jamming in the Session Tent, creating Celtic crests, watching Irish dancers, enjoying a traditional Irish meal, or dancing in the front row; On the whole Michigan Irish Music Festival truly has something for everyone.

Tea Room at the Michigan Irish Music Festival

Held at Heritage Landing in Downtown Muskegon, Michigan the second weekend of September. Find more information at MICHIGANIRISH.ORG