Sláinte (SLAHN-chə) — That’s “Cheers” in Gaelic. Kansas City Irish Fest is back in person this Labor Day weekend after a year of virtual festivities. The annual celebration brings ~80,000 people to Crown Center over a 3-day period, all in the name of the Emerald Island.
Why Ireland? Back in the early days, thousands of Irish immigrants came to Kansas City. They found work building roads, rails, buildings, and bridges. By the 1870s, more than 10% of the KC population was Irish. Much of that ancestry remains today.
🇮🇪 What to expect
The fest kicks off on Fri., Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. with live musical performances. Saturday and Sunday events begin at 11 a.m. Each night ends with headliner groups, including famous bands like The Young Dubliners, Gaelic Storm, and Scythian.
The weekend promises dozens of other music and traditional dance performances across 6 stages. There is also a genealogy showcase — where researchers can help you trace your family history. Plus, there’s a kids section, an art fair, Irish merch, Irish breakfasts, whiskey tasting, and lots of Guinness.
🇮🇪 Tickets
No pot of gold needed. Discounted tickets are still available, but you have to buy them today. Friday tickets cost $15, while Saturday and Sunday cost $20 each. Each ticket increases by $5 starting Sept. 3.
🇮🇪 Kansas City-Irish fast facts
- A large portion of Irish immigrants moved to the US during the Great Potato Famine in Ireland, 1845-1849.
- Historic Kansas City buildings with Irish heritage that are still thriving today include Kelly’s in Westport — the 1850s building is considered the oldest in modern-day Kansas City — and Browne’s Irish Marketplace (1887).
