Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the gates open?
What are the ticket prices
How can I buy tickets?
Can I use my credit card on site?
Is there food and beverages available for sale?
How do I purchase food and beverages?
What is the deal with the non-perishable food drive?
What is the deal with parking?
Do I need to bring my own lawn chair?
What if I don’t want to miss the football game?
How do I volunteer for the Irish Festival?
Will there be Irish Dancers at the Festival?
How does my band get on the list to play at the Michigan Irish Music Festival?
Can I bring in my own cooler?
Is there a Catholic Mass?
Is there an ATM on Site?
How do I enter a photo in the photo contest?
How do I enter the Limerick contest?
How do I sign up my child to compete in the Irish Dance Competition (Feis)?
How much does it cost to attend the FEIS?
Are there activities for children?
Is there entertainment in any local bars/restaurants after the Festival?
What time do the gates open?
Friday 5-11pm
Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday 8:00 a.m. (Mass at 9:00 a.m.) until 6:00 p.m.
What are the ticket prices
Friday Show up between 5 & 6pm and get in FREE!! Friday only
$8 adults ** Children 5-12 years of age $2 ** under 5 free
Saturday $15 adults ** Children 5-12 years of age $2 ** under 5 free
Sunday $10 adults ** Children 5-12 years of age $2 ** under 5 free
Three Day Pass for only $25.
****$2 off discount coupons at area businesses or on our website at www.michiganirish.org
**Admission is free to Mass on Sunday. Those that attend Mass will be able to purchase a wristband to stay for the remainder of the day for reduced admission. There is no other discount (Senior Citizen etc.)
How can I buy tickets?
You can purchase them on line at www.michiganirish.org or at the gate or stop in the office at 2340 Glade St. Muskegon, MI 49444, Mon-Fri 9-5pm.
Can I use my credit card on site?
Yes, there is an ATM for cash withdrawls. The admission ticket booth, artist merchandise tent, festival merchandise and Blarney Bucks can all accept credit cards. As do many of the market vendors.
Is there food and beverages available for sale?
Yes there is a wide variety of authentic Irish food and festival food available. Food vendors also sell, pop, water, lemonade, ice cream and other sweet treats. Alcoholic beverages that are available include Guinness, Harp’s Budweiser, Irish Cream and Bacardi malt beverages.
How do I purchase food and beverages?
The Festival has an easy to use Blarney Bucks system. All food and beverage purchases must be made with Blarney Bucks. There are 4 locations to purchase Blarney Bucks and they are valid all weekend long. Blarney Bucks are in $1 increments, buy $1 at a time or go ahead and purchase $30 to get you started. All food and drink items are in even $1 amounts so you won’t have to deal with any loose coins.
What is the deal with the non-perishable food drive?
We are collecting non-perishable food items for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. We will be taking these donations ALL DAY ON SUNDAY. They can be dropped off at the entrance.
What is the deal with parking?
Handicap parking is available on site for $5 per vehicle. There is ample street parking in the surrounding blocks to the Festival site. The street parking is very safe, close to the Festival grounds and well lit. There is also parking next door at the Mart Dock. Courtesy Carts are available to transport any patron from the Mart Dock or on site parking to our front gate or ticket booth.
Do I need to bring my own lawn chair?
There is a limited number of picnic tables and bleachers on the Site. In the Irish Pub there is also a limited number of chairs and tables and picnic tables. Bringing your own lawn chair is always a good idea.
What if I don’t want to miss the football game?
The Notre Dame game will be shown on the big screen in the Irish Pub. Other games will be televised during the weekend.
How do I volunteer for the Irish Festival?
Contact the Festival office at 739-2028 and they’ll get your information to the volunteer coordinator.
Will there be Irish Dancers at the Festival?
Yes! Friday night we will feature our first “HOOLEY”. This promises to be a great party, filled with dancing and music. No previous dance experience necessary. Join us in Bob and Bernie’s Pub from 7:30-9:30 p.m. On Saturday you can join in and learn “Ceili (Kay-Lee) Dancing”. On Sunday we will have Irish Dancers performing all day long. PLUS, all day
on Saturday at the Walker Arena you can watch 750 Irish Dancers as they compete in Muskegon’s annual Irish Dance Competition (known as a FEIS (FESH). There is an admission fee to the Feis. Saturday night at the Festival the Parade of Champions will be featured at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Heinzman Irish Dance School dancers will entertain on the Dance Stage
How does my band get on the list to play at the Michigan Irish Music Festival?
The 2008 lineup is complete, however, if you would like to be considered for future festivals or other special events, send a promo packet including a CD to our office at 2340 Glade St. Muskegon, MI 49444.
Can I bring in my own cooler?
There are no coolers, pets, firearms, fireworks or weapons of any kind allowed on the Festival grounds.
Is there a Catholic Mass?
Yes, Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Admission to Mass is free and those attending can purchase a wristband immediately following Mass for a reduced rate to stay for the day.
Is there an ATM on Site?
Yes, there is an ATM on site.
How do I enter a photo in the photo contest?
Enter your photo taken in Ireland that you think best “showcases” Ireland.
Photos can be of people, places, things etc. in Ireland. Photos must be at the Welcome Center by Noon on Sunday to be considered in the contest. Photos will not be returned. Drop all photos off at the Welcome Center near the main entrance. Photos can be mailed to Michigan Irish Music Festival at 2340 Glade, Muskegon, MI 49444.
How do I enter the Limerick contest?
Write your limerick on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper and mail it to Muskegon Writers’ Center, c/o Mary Tyler, 221 S. Quarterline Rd., Muskegon, MI 49442. Must be postmarked by Sept. 5. You can also find an entry form at www.michiganirish.org. All winners of the Limerick Contest will be invited to read their winning Limerick at 12:30 pm on Sunday afternoon on the County Kerry Stage.
How do I sign up my child to compete in the Irish Dance Competition (Feis)?
Visit our website at www.michiganirish.org and click on the register link.
How much does it cost to attend the FEIS?
The admission charge is $8 for 16 and older. Your Feis wristband DOES NOT provide you with free access to the Festival.
Are there activities for children?
Yes, there is a full playground as well as other activities that include inflatable rides and games (nominal charge).
Is there entertainment in any local bars/restaurants after the Festival?
Yes, Rafferty’s and the Holiday Inn are featuring Irish bands in their lounges on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm until 1am. Take the FREE shuttle from the Festival Site to the after hours entertainment areas and they’ll bring you back when you are ready. Shuttles run until midnight on both evenings.