Iowa Irish Fest

August 6-8, 2021 - Waterloo, Iowa

This year is a big one for the Iowa Irish Fest. After a forced shutdown last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the three-day gathering is back this summer for another weekend of Irish celebrations and culture. Held in the recently renovated Lincoln Park in downtown Waterloo, the get-together will host a series of live musical performances from the likes of Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Tallymoore, and others, as well as cultural demonstrations and traditional food and drink. This year's event will also include several “fan favourites,” including the 5k ShamRock N Run, the High Nelly Bike Rally, the Celtic Cruise motorcycle rally, whiskey tastings and, as always, the extremely popular Highland Games. The festival will include a Family Fun and Learning area, with a variety of activities suitable for children of all ages. The Iowa Irish Fest has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a small, informal family picnic in 2006, and today it is one of the region's premier events.