Cultural/Dance

Experience the rich Irish culture while you are at the festival. With an extensive exhibit from the Ward Music Archives on “Come Back to Erin: Irish Travel Posters of the 20th Century” or a stop in the “Wake House” and get the ins and outs of an Irish Wake. Both of these are available throughout the weekend.

Returning on Sunday from Noon-3pm will be the dogs of Ireland. The celtic canines exhibit will feature all of the breeds that are native to Ireland.

Irish dancing is not to be missed at the Festival. Join us on Friday at 6pm for the “Hooley” and you will have the chance to get up and learn this style of social dancing. Saturday at 4:15 Steph’s Steps crew will be on hand to show off various Irish dancers and clogging. Saturday evening at 7:15 pm is the return of the Parade of Champions featuring the winners of the Michigan Feis competition held earlier on Saturday. Sunday the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance will perform at 12:30 pm and 2:45 pm on the Grafton Street Stage.

The cultural stages will also feature lessons on the Irish language, how to play a bodhran and penny whistle, poetry, song, and hands-on activities for children of all ages. For the complete schedule, please look at the entertainment schedule for Grafton Street and Blarney stages as well as The Hedge School.