Irish Fair of Minnesota & Ceol on the River

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate summer before the back-to-school chaos hits, the Irish Fair of Minnesota is the perfect event — and it’s coming up August 8–10, 2025 on beautiful Harriet Island in Saint Paul.

We went to the Irish Fair previously and loved it. It’s packed with music, food, dancing, and just the right amount of excitement that somehow still feels relaxing. There’s something about the energy — whether it’s watching Irish dancers in action, grabbing a cold drink while listening to live music, or watching kids run around the lawn with mini flags and faces painted.

And this year? It’s starting with something brand new…

New This Year: Ceol on the River — August 7

Before the weekend festival begins, the Irish Fair is kicking things off with a brand-new outdoor concert called Ceol on the River (Ceol means music in Irish — pronounced KEE-yole!).

The lineup is incredible:
🎤 The Coronas – one of Ireland’s biggest rock bands
🎶 Róisín O – soulful, bold Irish vocals
🎸 The Belfast Cowboys – local favorite with some serious energy

Bring your lawn chair, grab a bite from local food trucks, and enjoy a summer evening full of music on the riverfront. Parents — it’s the perfect excuse for a grown-up night out if you can swing a sitter. 😉(It’s a very romantic outing – I promise!)

And they have limited ticket deals now through August 3rd:

General Admission – Just $35 (Save $15) Use code Ceol35 at checkout
General Admission – Buy 2, Get 2 FREE! Use code CeolB2G2 at checkout
VIP Tickets – Just $100 (Save $25!) Use code CeolVIP at checkout

What to Expect at the Irish Fair (Aug 8–10)

This three-day festival is one of the biggest Irish celebrations in the country — and it’s right here in the Twin Cities!

Here’s just a taste of what’s in store:

• Traditional Irish dance performances

• Live music on six stages

• Irish sports demos (like hurling and camogie!)

• Whiskey tastings & pub tents for the grown-ups

• Face painting, crafts & activities for the kiddos

• Irish comedy shows, shopping, and a 0K “fun run”

• And of course, lots of Irish food (and yes, Guinness 🍻)

Ticket Info – Plan Your Weekend!

Ceol on the River – Thursday, Aug. 7

• General Admission: $50

• VIP Experience: $125 (early entry, VIP tent, premium bar & more!)

Irish Fair – August 8–10

• Daily Pass: $25

• Weekend Pass: $60

• Kids 12 & under: FREE 🎉

• Youth (13–17) & Seniors (55+): Discounted pricing available

• VIP Options: 3 tiers ranging from $60–$250

• Group Deal: Save 20% when you buy 10+ tickets in one order!

DEALS

LIMITED-TIME TICKET DEALS are available now through 8/3!
General Admission – Just $35 (Save $15) Use code Ceol35 at checkout
General Admission – Buy 2, Get 2 FREE! Use code CeolB2G2 at checkout
VIP Tickets – Just $100 (Save $25!) Use code CeolVIP at checkout

Why We Love This Event 

The Irish Fair of Minnesota is completely nonprofit and volunteer-run, with proceeds going back into supporting Irish arts, education, and community initiatives. It’s not just a fun day out — it’s a way to support culture, music, and storytelling right here in the Twin Cities.

Whether you’re Irish (at least a little bit like me) or just “Irish for the weekend,” this is one of those special events that brings people together in the best way. 

Mark your calendars, enter the giveaway, and maybe we’ll see you down on Harriet Island — dancing, eating, and celebrating Irish life and summer!

*ENDED*

Congratulations to Kristen Gleason, winner!

GIVEAWAY: Win 4 Tickets to BOTH Ceol on the River and the Irish Fair!

I’m teaming up with the Irish Fair of Minnesota to give one lucky winner 4 General Admission tickets to Ceol on the River AND 4 Passes to the Irish Fair. VALUE = $300! (Tickets are worth $200 for Ceol on the River, $100 for the Irish Fair.)

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below by Sunday, August 3rd at 11:00pm.

Winner will be randomly chosen and announced Monday, August 5th – just in time to plan your weekend!

Enter here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Want more Irish fun?

Have the kids make this cute Leprechaun Gnome Paper Craft!