The Irish Hooley is "Shamrockin'" Dubuque for 18th Year

Dubuque's premier Irish musical festival is set to return this Saturday, August 26th, bring food, live music, dancing, and fun all in the name of celebrating the spirit of the Irish!

The 18th Annual Irish Hooley is happening this Saturday at the Port of Dubuque, specifically the Dubuque Star Brewery and the Alliant Amphitheater. Kicking off at 11:30am, the day-long music festival features a number of bands playing traditional Irish music as well as numerous food trucks from the Tri-State area serving up delicious eats!

Jordan Larkin and Steve Pulaski. Photo Credit: Katie Kotz

Great Irish Bands Will Be Taking the Stage:

Jordan Larkin of the Irish Hooley stopped by to talk about all that is happening at the Port of Dubuque on Saturday, and even profiled all the bands that will be taking the stage:

So, JigJam is headlining. Opening up for JigJam is Boxing Banjo, another great group of young lads. So, if you want kind of that Irish, folky bluegrass, these are the two bands to definitely [bring that]. We're also gonna have our local Dubuque bands. [At 1:15pm] we'll kick off our music with Ballyheigue, then at 3:15pm we're gonna have a set from The Lads of Dubuque.

In order to get in the full Irish spirit, McNulty School of Irish Dance from Arlington Heights, IL will be at the festival teaching festivalgoers some traditional Irish dance-moves to go along with the great music!

Where You Can Buy Tickets:

Photo Credit: Irish Hooley of Dubuque

You can also purchase tickets at the Hooley on Saturday for $15/each.

Food Options Galore:

Several food vendors will be serving up delicious eats during the Irish Hooley, including:

Where to Park:

Public parking spaces for the Irish Hooley will be available as well as street parking within close walking distance of the event. Some are free while some may require a fee.

More Information:

You can find everything you need to know about the Irish Hooley on their official website!

Also, take a listen to my interviews with Daithi Melia of JigJam as well as my interview with Jordan Larkin below!