Thousands Expected at Irish Fest in Waterloo this Weekend

Thousands of celebrants will descend on Waterloo this weekend as the 2019 Iowa Irish Fest kicks off Friday afternoon, and runs through the weekend. With sunny skies and temps in the mid 80's, this year's attendance could break records.

What started out as a small event in 2007 has grown into one of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S. Over 1400 Irish Fest volunteers bring it all together and it just keeps expanding.

This year‘s event features live music from Scythian (Friday and Saturday), fan favorites Gaelic Storm (Saturday and Sunday), and the Logues, a band direct from Ireland whose music is described as “whiskey soaked folk”. Several stages will host plenty of other local artists too.

Cultural events include the Irish Cultural Village, the Irish Artists Series workshops and an Irish Dance workshop.

New this year is a Whiskey Class at the Elks Lodge featuring a 45 minute educational tasting session.

There are lots of sporting events at the Cedar Valley Soccer Complex including the fifth annual Rugby Invitational tournament and the Iowa Irish and Leprechaun Cup Soccer match.

You can participate in the High Nelly Bike Rally, and the Shamrock and Run 5K.

On Sunday there is a full Catholic Mass in Lincoln Park at 10:00 a.m. that is attended by thousands of faithful followers.

Bikers can join the Celtic Cruise Silver Eagle Harley Davidson ride that also starts at 10:00 a.m. Sunday.

Food and beverages are plentiful, and shuttles run all three days. Three day passes are available for $25.