Celebrate Irish traditions with live entertainment, family fun and Irish spirit wear. (PN Photo)
West Suburban Irish Report
Naperville Irish Fest is back, and ready to celebrate Irish culture in the heart of downtown Naperville on September 20-21, 2024. Hosted by the West Suburban Irish, this year’s festival returns to Central Park. Naperville Irish Fest promises a lively two-days filled with music, dance, food, and fun for all ages with proceeds supporting the West Suburban Irish and its mission to promote Irish culture throughout the community.
After a successful event last year, where more than 3,500 attendees gathered in what was a new downtown location for the Fest, this year is set to be even bigger and better. Naperville Irish Fest will feature a variety of live performances, traditional Irish dancing, and cultural exhibits from the Irish American Heritage Center that showcase the rich history and heritage of Ireland. Visitors can also enjoy a diverse selection of food and beverages, including traditional Irish fare; visit an Irish Culture tent, and shop in the Irish Village. Naperville Irish Fest also has a host of activities and games for children, including crafts, face painting and a kids’ parade.
“We are thrilled to bring the community together once again to celebrate Irish culture and Ireland,” said Chris O’Hara, Co-Chair of the 2024 Naperville Irish Fest. “Whether you’re Irish by heritage or just Irish at heart, there’s something for everyone at Naperville Irish Fest. A family-friendly event, we invite all to join us for a weekend of music and shenanigans.”
Naperville Irish Fest is committed to both cultural celebration and community support. In the philanthropic spirit of the West Suburban Irish and to further help our community, Naperville Irish Fest has designated five local organizations as beneficiaries.
“Naperville Irish Fest seeks to honor the vibrant traditions of Irish culture while also fostering a spirit of unity and cultural sharing within our community,” said Linda Dimitropoulos, Co-Chair of the 2024 Naperville Irish Fest. “New this year, we plan to donate $25 for each person that volunteers their time at Naperville Irish Fest. Volunteers will designate one of our five selected non-profits to receive a $25 donation in the volunteer’s name.”
Irish Fest volunteer fundraising will benefit…
- The Institute of Traditional Irish Music
- Naperville Area Humane Society
- St. Patrick’s Residence
- ALIVE Center
- Loaves & Fishes Community Services
Purchase advance tickets for $10 thru Sept. 12 / $15 afterward
Fest goers are encouraged to buy tickets in advance online. Tickets are available at a discounted rate of $10 each and two for $15 until September 12, 2024, when they increase to $15 each and two for $25. All ticket sales are online; no cash tickets will be available at the gate. To purchase tickets, visit wsirish.org/IrishFest.
Irish Culture
Q&A with the Irish American Consulate
25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement display
Mother Jones Project display
Dual Citizenship discussion
Bagpipe demos & info about lessons
Irish hurling & Gaelic football demos
Kids’ Activities
St. Patrick & Leprechaun photo opportunities
Kids’ parade, storytelling & playground
Face painting
Fairy door & Brigid’s Cross making
Home Depot wood crafts
Entertainment Lineup
Friday, September 20 / Festivities begin at 2:45PM, end at 10PM
2:45 – Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville (bagpipers)
3:00 – The Joyce Boys
4:10 – McNulty School of Irish Dance
5:15 – Small Batch
5:50 – Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville
6:35 – The Larkin and Moran Brothers
8:00 – Celtic Roots
Saturday, September 21 / Festivities begin at noon, end at 10PM
12:00 – Jimmy Keane & Jimmy Moore
1:10 – Hogan Irish Dance Academy
2:10 – Institute of Traditional Irish Music
3:10 – Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville
3:20 – McNulty School of Irish Dance
4:15 – Bentley Academy of Irish Dance
5:00 – Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville
5:15 – Mulligan Stew
6:35 – STEAM Irish Quartet
8:15 – The Avondale Ramblers
For more information about the Naperville Irish Fest, including the schedule of events and vendor details, visit wsirish.org/IrishFest.
Naperville Irish Fest
Hosted by the West Suburban Irish, Naperville Irish Fest celebrates and promotes Irish culture and heritage through a vibrant community event that brings people together. The Fest aims to foster a sense of unity, cultural exchange, and tradition while supporting local non-profits and enriching the lives of those in our community. In the philanthropic spirit of the West Suburban Irish, Naperville Irish Fest has a commitment to both cultural celebration and community support.
West Suburban Irish
West Suburban Irish (WSI), Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Naperville, IL, whose mission is to cultivate a genuine appreciation and understanding of Irish heritage, culture, language, music, art, literature, and sports across the communities in the western suburbs of Chicago. Our motto, “Friendship, Fun, Service,” embodies both Irish culture and our approach to achieving our mission.
For 30-plus years, WSI has cultivated a genuine appreciation and understanding of Irish heritage by fostering a robust social network of members, volunteers, artists, and enthusiasts across our local communities. Guided by the WSI Board, WSI aims to bring joy to thousands of people in the western suburbs of Chicago through charitable giving efforts, parades and festivals, cultural events, and more. For more info, visit wsirish.org
