There are certain Columbus-area traditions that just feel like summer. The Ohio State Fair. Concerts under the stars. Long evenings spent on a patio. And for nearly four decades, the Dublin Irish Festival has been one of the season’s signature events.
In this guide
Returning to Coffman Park July 31 through Aug. 2, the 39th annual Dublin Irish Festival promises another unforgettable weekend celebrating Irish music, dance, food and culture. Recently named the No. 3 Best Cultural Festival in the nation by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the Festival draws thousands each year with an impressive lineup of entertainment and experiences that stretch far beyond the main stage.
With seven stages, more than 800 performers, authentic cuisine, cultural demonstrations and one of the Midwest’s largest Celtic marketplaces, it’s impossible to see everything in a single day—which is exactly why a little insider knowledge goes a long way.
Start Before You Arrive
If there’s one piece of advice Festival organizers agree on, it’s this: don’t wait until you’re walking through the gates to make a plan.
Tickets increase in price after July 19, so purchasing early is an easy way to save a few dollars. Before Festival weekend, download the Dublin Irish Festival app to map out your day, favorite performers and must-visit vendors.
“It’s the easiest way to build your personal schedule, find vendors, navigate through the Festival and never miss a performance,” says Event Coordinator Erin Santa. “Turn on your push notifications to know when surprise pop-up performances take place.”
Go Beyond the Headliners
Yes, you’ll find internationally recognized acts like Gaelic Storm, Altan, Scythian and the Gardiner Brothers filling the Festival schedule. But some of the weekend’s best discoveries happen when you wander.
Director of Community Events Alison LeRoy suggests carving out time for the Trinity Stage, where emerging artists from Ireland often perform before becoming household names in Celtic music.
“There are more types of Irish music than you might expect,” she says. “For fresh sounds and rising talent straight from Ireland, make the Trinity Stage one of your must-stop spots.”
It’s this mix of legendary performers and exciting newcomers that keeps the Festival feeling fresh year after year.
Slow Down Between Shows
While music may be the biggest draw, some of the Festival’s most memorable moments happen away from the stages.
Spend an hour tracing your ancestry in the Genealogy area. Watch skilled sheepdogs demonstrate centuries-old herding traditions. Wander through cultural exhibits, literary presentations and hands-on workshops. Cheer on competitors in the Highland Games or the always-impressive Stones of Strength.
Festival Event Administrator Jim Loch encourages guests to make room for these quieter experiences.
“Explore your roots in the Genealogy area, take part in cultural workshops, listen in on spoken word performances or catch an intimate music session,” he says. “These hidden gems are a great way to experience the heart of the Festival.”
Come Hungry
It’s impossible to walk very far without catching the aroma of fresh pastries, savory Irish stews or something sizzling on the grill.
The food offerings span everything from traditional Celtic fare to sweet treats, while Irish beer, cider and handcrafted cocktails keep the celebration going well into the evening.
Whiskey lovers can reserve premium tasting experiences throughout the weekend, and one of this year’s newest additions—the Sunday morning Irish Coffee Open House—offers guests the opportunity to learn the art of crafting the perfect Irish coffee from one of Jameson’s Whiskey Ambassadors.
Treat Yourself to the VIP Experience
If your plans include spending the entire day (or entertaining family and friends from out of town) it might be worth upgrading.
VIP experiences like the Emerald Club and Ultimate Music Experience offer reserved viewing areas, private bars and restrooms, premium seating, meals and other perks that can make navigating a busy Festival a little easier.
“It’s an easy way to enjoy more of the music and less of the logistics,” says Chief Communications and Public Relations Officer Lindsay Weisenauer.
It’s Not Just for Adults
The Festival has long been a favorite for families, and it’s easy to see why.
The Wee Folk area keeps younger visitors busy with crafts, storytelling and beginner Irish dance lessons, while the Pot O’ Gold Playground offers plenty of inflatable fun for energetic kids.
Multimedia Communications Strategist Shirley Blaine says it’s become a tradition in her own family.
“The Dublin Irish Festival is one of my daughter’s favorite weekends of the year,” she says. “Start in the Wee Folk area for free crafts, Irish storytelling, plus music and dance instruction, where they can learn a few Irish dance steps. If they still have energy to burn, a Pot O’ Gold Playground wristband is well worth it for unlimited inflatable fun.”
Save Time for Shopping
Between performances, carve out time to browse the Festival marketplace, where more than 90 vendors offer handcrafted jewelry, Celtic clothing, artwork, home décor and imported Irish goods.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or a keepsake from the weekend, it’s one of the easiest places to lose track of time—in the best possible way.
A Few Final Pro Tips
Bring a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Expect to do plenty of walking across Coffman Park.
Families can pick up complimentary Identi-kid wristbands from Dublin Police safety stations, and anyone planning to enjoy the Festival’s beer, cider or whiskey offerings can use the Lyft promo code DUBLINIRISH26 for $10 off a ride home.
Most importantly, don’t try to squeeze everything into a rigid itinerary.
Some of the best Festival memories happen while stumbling across a new favorite band, watching an impromptu dance performance or discovering an artisan tucked between vendor tents.
Nearly 40 years in, the Dublin Irish Festival has perfected the balance between beloved traditions and new discoveries. Whether you spend your weekend in front of a concert stage, browsing the marketplace or exploring the Festival’s cultural experiences, the best memories often come from the moments you never planned.
