Join us from 10:00am-6:00pm on May 16 & 17, 2026!
Join us for a Beltane celebration of traditional Irish dance, music, foods, drink & craft.
~Free Parking~
The Marin Irish Festival welcomes people from all walks of life to enjoy the unifying magic of Irish music, dance, and tradition. Entertainments on 6 stages, craft and food vendors, sheep dog demos, falconry, and a lakeside pub!
A Beltane Festival
Rooted in Irish Tradition Beltane, an ancient Celtic festival marking the arrival of summer, sets the tone for a weekend filled with Maypoles, music, and revelry. Festivalgoers can expect performances across four lively stages, featuring top Irish Irish musicians, dynamic dance performances, and immersive storytelling. More than 40 craft vendors will showcase handcrafted and rare goods, while food trucks and tents will serve up traditional Irish fare, including corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie, and of course, authentic pints of Guinness as well as locally brewed hard ciders and ales.
A Sanctioned Irish Dance Competition
For the first time, the festival will host a feis (pronounced FESH)—a fully sanctioned Irish dance competition in partnership with the Jackie Flynn Irish Dance Academy. Dancers of all ages will take center stage at the Ceili on the Lake Championships (pronounced KAY-LEE), competing for the prestigious title of 'Champion of Champions.' Dancers can learn more and register to compete. Festivalgoers can also participate in open Ceili dancing sessions led by instructors throughout the weekend.
Live Music & Open Seisiúin (pronounced SESSIONS)
The festival lineup includes renowned Irish musicians, including the Black Brothers and The Black Irish Band. Guests can also join an open Seisiúin (Irish music participation session) inside the Bearded Goose Pub, where musicians of all skill levels are invited to play in a welcoming, communal setting. The full entertainment lineup will be announced soon.
Sheepdog Demonstrations, Storytelling, and Cultural Exhibits
Beyond music and dance, the Redwood Empire Sheep Dog Association will present sheep-herding demonstrations, showcasing the incredible skill of working sheepdogs, along with live sheep shearing and wool spinning. Other highlights include: United Irish Cultural Center: Showcasing the “Keepers of the Steps” exhibit along with hard-to-find Irish imports, including rare books and traditional salty and sweet treats. Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA): Hurling, Gaelic football, and Camogie (an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women) demonstrations, with fast-paced 5v5 blitz matches. Marin 4H - Featuring an interactive rabbit exhibit. Falcon’s Court - A birds-of-prey experience with falcons, owls, and hawks. Opportunities to hold and take photos with these majestic creatures are available with a donation.
A Marketplace of Irish Craftsmanship
The festival marketplace will feature handcrafted jewelry, Irish textiles, ceramics, artwork, and traditional goods. Food vendors will offer an array of Irish and international flavors, and the Bearded Goose Irish Pub will provide a lively gathering place to enjoy drinks and music.
