Fáilte don Sráidbhaile Cultúrtha nua!

Fáilte don Sráidbhaile Cultúrtha! Welcome to the Cultural Street! Here you can immerse yourself in Irish culture as you watch blacksmiths, weavers, spinners and artists at work. Learn a few words as Gaeilge, even try your hand at axe throwing at the Hurling Hatchets booth. Top off your visit with a stop at Dillon’s Pub for a rest all while surrounded by the Irish music we love.

Blacksmiths

Joining the Iowa Irish Fest again are Lucky Clover Forge and Double Anvil Forge and friends showing off their impressive blacksmithing skills and even giving you the opportunity to get your hands dirty with some hands on training. There will also be a few Forged in Fire style forge offs again this year so keep an eye out for the times as you won’t want to miss it!

Hurling Hatchets

We are thrilled to welcome back Hurling Hatchets. Take a chance and see how good your aim and throwing arm are. Oh, and did we mention this is included for free with your entry into the fest!

Art Gallery

Visit the art gallery in the COR building to view all of Gary Kelly’s art created especially for the Iowa Irish Fest as well as the art from this year’s live artist demonstrations.

Spinners and Weaver’s Guild

The Northeast Iowa Weavers and Spinners Guild is excited to once again take up residency on the Cultural Street and to show you how the textile manufacturing in Ireland changed throughout history.
From the oppression of Kings and Queens, to Pirates and smugglers, Ireland survived centuries of prohibited exports and is now world famous for such products as Aran Sweaters, Waterford crystal, fine linen and silver jewelry.
Stop by and have a try at weaving on a 4-harness table loom, learn to spin on a drop spindle and see examples of traditional Irish crochet and Aran knitting.  Check the workshop schedules for learn to knit and learn to crochet for beginners, as well as beginning Aran knitting and Irish crochet for those with previous experience!

Dillon’s Pub

Take a break at Dillon’s Pub where you can have a seat in the shade enjoy a beverage and some local and international solo musical acts. Plus don’t miss the open music sessions happening on Friday and Saturday night. While these will be led by The Des Moines Session Group they are open to the public so feel free to bring your instrument or party piece and participate!

DKW Gallery

Enjoy a variety of “live art” during the Irish Fest with a bit of the Irish magic worked into it by Deb Kathleen Weiser. Deb came over from Ireland with her folks when she was in her teens. She developed her skills and love of art from her mother. “Mamaí, how can you paint so well?” “Tis magic darling, that’s all it is.” But she showed her daughter how to use more than just paint; she showed her how to develop her imagination. Deb has left her “art mark” on walls and buildings from the Florida Keys to Toronto and from Iowa to Italy and Holland.

www.dkwgallery.com

Haunted Ireland

Stop by the Haunted Ireland display to not only learn about some of the most haunted places in Emerald Isle but also the superstitions and creatures that have had an impact on our own Halloween celebrations. But, beware rumor has it we will be hosting some haunts from the scare masters at Heart of Darkness!

Uncle Stinky Blacksmithing

Uncle Stinky’s Blacksmithing will have demonstrations though out the weekend. Stop by for some fun and special treats.