Twin Cities Irish Fest at Harriet Island (August 7-9, 2026)
The Irish Fair of Minnesota today announces the 2026 entertainment lineup alongside its new look and name as the Twin Cities Irish Fest. Reflective of both the festival’s history and its home in St. Paul, the name Twin Cities Irish Fest highlights where the festival takes place while preserving the mission of the event: “To promote and preserve Irish culture by creating exceptional experiences that bring people together from Minnesota and beyond in the spirit of joy and discovery.”
“Our commitment to inclusivity for the entire state of Minnesota and beyond remains unchanged,” said the festival Board of Directors in a recent statement. “The new name is intended to help our audience better understand where they can attend this amazing event and take part in it, regardless of where they live or are traveling from – all are welcome at the Fest! The artists, dancers, vendors, volunteers, and visitors who make this festival feel vibrant and welcoming come from communities throughout the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and far beyond the state. That statewide, countrywide, and international spirit will always be a part of who we are and we firmly believe the new name is a tool that will help us grow our Irish Fest community and ensure its longevity for another 40 years.”
This year’s festival, taking place from August 7-9 on Harriet Island along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, MN, features crowd favorite Gaelic Storm; Chasing Abbey in their Twin Cities Irish Fest debut; the 11-piece all-female Irish traditional music supergroup Biird; the high-energy bilingual contemporary folk group Seo Linn performing in both English and Irish; the new band Howley formed by the brothers of We Banjo 3; plus more headliners and local acts to be announced. See the full list of 2026 entertainers listed below, tickets are now on sale at https://www.twincitiesirishfest.com/tickets
“As the Twin Cities Irish Fest we’re excited to build on this event’s incredible and beloved legacy and ensure that the festival continues to thrive for the next 40 years,” said the festival Board of Directors. “We look forward to welcoming everyone from the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, and beyond as we gather to celebrate Irish culture and heritage together.”
With a commitment to champion and support the work of local artists in Minnesota, The Twin Cities Irish Fest logo was created in collaboration with local graphic designer, Tony Horning, who worked closely with the festival team to develop an image that would help the event evolve into its next chapter.
Entertainment Information:
Gaelic Storm
Chasing Abbey
Biird
Seo Linn
Howley
…and more to be announced!
Tickets on sale at: https://www.twincitiesirishfest.com/tickets
About Twin Cities Irish Fest
The annual Twin Cities Irish Fest is recognized as one of the most family-friendly events in the Twin Cities, one of the largest and most authentic Irish festivals nationwide and an amazingly great time!
The Irish Fest is a three-day cultural festival filled with all things Irish! Returning to Harriet Island in St. Paul August 7-9, 2026, the fest builds a small city to house six stages for Irish music and dance, pub tents for refreshments, a sports field for soccer, hurling, and camogie demonstrations, marketplace tents, and various other areas for kids activities and cultural programming. The fest invites entertainers, artisans, food vendors, and marketplace vendors from all around the country (and beyond) to provide an authentic experience for its guests.