Irish Festival Returns to Missoula With Music and Food

The first weekend of September in Missoula is going to be an exciting one. Not only will it be the first home game for Grizzly Football, it will also be a chance for everyone to experience some Irish fun.

If you missed the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering recently, there is another chance for you to experience some Irish and Celtic culture in Missoula’s downtown Caras Park.

The Fáilte Irish Festival is coming up on Friday, September 5, from 2:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Fáilte is Irish for "welcome".

This is another fun event for the entire family with great musicians, dancers, and entertainers to kick off the weekend.

In the past, the event used to take place in July, but over the past few years, they have moved it to September so that University of Montana students could attend.

Live Music and Dance Performance

This year looks to be another great year with some amazing musicians. The Malarkey Irish Band, The Montana Shamrockers, Clint Dye on guitar, and White and Bays Irish Fiddles will be performing.

Dancers will also be featured including the Carroll-Henderson Irish Dancers, the Missoula Irish Dancers. Missoula’s Celtic Dragon Pipe Band will be performing with the Missoula Highland Dancers.

There will be hurling demonstrations, arts and crafts vendors, and food and drink. You may also learn an Irish phrase or two while you are there.

One of the best things about this festival is that it’s free to attend.

Celebrating Irish Heritage in Missoula

The Friends of Irish Studies in the West is a great organization that helps to keep the rich Irish culture alive in Montana by teaming with the University of Montana’s Irish Studies program.

The plan this year is to have a wider variety of food vendors and arts and crafts. You may be able to pick up some jewelry, furniture, or design your next tattoo.

We are excited to be at this event again this year, and as always, don’t forget to support your local pipe band.