Published on
November 6, 2025
The Maryland Irish Festival (MIF) is an annual event that celebrates all things Irish. With music, dance, food, drinks, and cultural exhibits, this festival brings a slice of Ireland to the heart of Maryland. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or simply love Irish culture, this event promises something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Maryland Irish Festival, including its history, what to expect, and why this event is one of the best cultural festivals in the region.
Overview & Purpose
The Maryland Irish Festival is a grand celebration of Irish culture, bringing together the very best of traditional and contemporary music, Irish dancing, local food, and much more. It takes place indoors at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who attends. The festival is organized by Irish Charities of Maryland, a nonprofit organization that has been serving the Irish-American community for years.
The festival’s primary goal is to offer a platform to celebrate Irish heritage while also supporting local and regional charities. All proceeds from the event go towards helping various Irish-American charitable causes. It is more than just a festival; it’s a meaningful way to give back to the community while enjoying the best of Irish culture.
Dates & Location
The 2025 Maryland Irish Festival will be held from Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a full weekend of cultural activities, this festival is the perfect way to experience the magic of Ireland.
Venue:
The festival takes place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, specifically the Cow Palace building, located at 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093, in the Lutherville-Timonium area of Baltimore County, Maryland.
Festival Hours:
- Friday: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday: Catholic Mass at 10:30 AM followed by the festival from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
This convenient schedule allows you to enjoy the festivities in the evening, as well as the whole day on Saturday, making it perfect for people of all ages.
What to Expect at the Maryland Irish Festival
Music & Performance
One of the highlights of the Maryland Irish Festival is the live music performances. The event features a wide range of musical acts, from traditional Irish bands to Celtic rock and everything in between. Whether you’re tapping your feet to a folk tune or getting lost in the energy of contemporary Celtic rock, the music will leave you mesmerised.
Some of the biggest names in the Irish music scene are set to perform at the 2025 festival, including:
- Albannach – A Scots-Gaelic band that blends traditional bagpipes with drums for a truly unique sound.
- Gaelic Mishap – A Celtic rock band that brings a modern twist to traditional Irish music.
- The ShamRogues – A lively band playing a mix of traditional Irish and original tunes.
- Poehemia – A band known for their infectious energy and mix of Celtic and punk music.
- Poor Man’s Gambit – A folk band with an exciting blend of traditional Celtic music and energetic rhythms.
Irish Dance Schools
In addition to music, the festival also showcases some of the best Irish dancers in the region. Renowned Irish dance schools like the Teelin Irish Dance Company, McHale School of Irish Dance, and the Kavanagh Porter Academy will take to the stage, displaying their talent and grace. If you love the rhythmic beats of Irish dance, you’ll be in for a treat!
Special Sessions
For those interested in learning more about Irish culture, there are several special sessions during the festival. These include:
- Open Session Trad Music – Musicians are invited to join in for impromptu traditional Irish music sessions.
- Tunes for Tots – A special session aimed at younger children, introducing them to the joy of Irish music.
- Tin Whistle & Irish Language Classes – Perfect for beginners, these classes will teach you the basics of playing the tin whistle and learning a few Irish words.
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at Irish dancing, there will also be a Ceílí (traditional social dance) on Saturday night at 9 PM. The Ceílí is a great way to get involved in the festive atmosphere and learn some new moves!
Food, Drink & Vendors
A celebration of Irish culture wouldn’t be complete without Irish food and drink. The festival offers a variety of traditional Irish cuisine, including favourites like Irish stew, fish and chips, and soda bread.
For those who enjoy a drink, there will be plenty of options, from Guinness stout to Tullamore Dew whiskey. The festival also offers whiskey tasting sessions for those who want to explore different Irish whiskies. These 45–60 minute tasting sessions are limited to 20 guests, so it’s a good idea to get your tickets early.
In addition to food and drink, the festival also features a wide variety of vendors selling Celtic and Irish goods. Whether you’re looking for handmade jewellery, kilts, or Irish-themed gifts, you’ll find plenty to take home as souvenirs. Some examples of vendors for 2025 include:
- Tea & Whimsey – Specialising in unique Irish teas and gifts.
- Celtic Treasure – A collection of beautiful Celtic jewellery.
- American Highlander Kilts – Offering high-quality, custom-made kilts.
Cultural Activities & Kids’ Zone
The Maryland Irish Festival isn’t just for adults — there’s plenty for kids to enjoy too. The Stacie’s Irish Cottage is a special area for children, where they can enjoy storytelling, sing-alongs, and even meet Irish Wolfhounds. The festival also hosts a fairy queen and Father Christmas, making it a magical experience for younger attendees.
In addition to these activities, there are cultural exhibits and workshops for all ages. You can learn about the Irish language, try your hand at the tin whistle, and even discover the history of railroads in Baltimore. If you’re feeling creative, there are also open-mic competitions for instrumental and vocal performances, along with photography and limerick contests.
Charity & Community Support
The Maryland Irish Festival isn’t just about having fun — it’s also about giving back to the community. The event is organised by Irish Charities of Maryland, and all proceeds from the festival go towards supporting local and Irish-American charities. Some of the causes supported by the festival include:
- Charles Carroll House – A historic landmark dedicated to preserving Irish-American heritage.
- Little Sisters of the Poor – A charitable organisation supporting elderly people in need.
- Society of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick – A group dedicated to promoting Irish culture and heritage.
The festival also supports Wreaths Across America, partnering with them for wreath-laying ceremonies in December to honor fallen soldiers. By attending the Maryland Irish Festival, you’re not just enjoying a cultural experience — you’re also helping to support these important causes.
Admission & Tickets
Tickets for the Maryland Irish Festival are reasonably priced, with various options to suit your schedule. Here’s a breakdown of ticket prices for 2025:
- Adults (18–64): $18 for Friday or Sunday, $25 for Saturday (all day).
- Seniors (65+): $10 for Friday or Sunday, $20 for Saturday.
- Children under 17 and active duty military personnel with ID: Free.
If you’re interested in the whiskey tasting sessions, there’s an additional cost of $25 for a tasting ticket.
It’s recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and ensure availability, especially for the whiskey tasting sessions.
Why Attend the Maryland Irish Festival?
The Maryland Irish Festival is not just another cultural event; it’s a full-on experience that celebrates everything Irish in a fun, engaging, and family-friendly environment. Here are a few reasons why you should attend:
- A great blend of music, dance, food, and culture that appeals to people of all ages.
- Family-friendly activities, including a kid’s zone, storytelling, and Irish dance lessons.
- Irish food and drink that will transport you straight to the Emerald Isle.
- Whiskey tasting and unique opportunities to sample Irish whiskies.
- Charitable cause – your attendance helps support local and Irish-American organizations.
- Indoor venue means no worries about the weather, making it a reliable event to enjoy.
- A great place for early holiday shopping with a variety of Irish-themed vendors.
Practical Tips & Logistics
Planning to attend the Maryland Irish Festival? Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
- Getting There: The festival takes place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, located at 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093. Parking is available, but it can get crowded on peak days (Saturday evening), so arrive early to get a good spot.
- Dress Code: The festival takes place indoors, but since it’s early November, it’s a good idea to wear layers. The main festival area will be warm, but the entrance and parking may be chilly.
- Timing: Saturday afternoon to evening is the busiest time, so if you want a more relaxed experience, consider attending on Friday night or Sunday afternoon.
- Kids Friendly: The festival is very family-oriented, with plenty of activities for children, including storytelling, sing-alongs, and meeting Irish Wolfhounds.
- Food & Drink: Don’t miss out on the delicious Irish food and drinks. Make sure to grab your whiskey tasting ticket early, as these sessions sell out fast.
- Shopping: There are many vendors, so if you’re interested in buying Celtic gifts, try to browse early to get the best selection.
Final Thoughts
The Maryland Irish Festival is much more than just an event — it’s a chance to immerse yourself in Irish culture, enjoy great music and food, and support meaningful causes. Whether you’re Irish or not, this festival offers something for everyone and is one of the top cultural events in Maryland. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate Irish heritage and have a great time with family and friends!
