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ADMISSION HOURS

Friday, August 1
4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Saturday, August 2
10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Sunday, August 3
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

No pets admitted. Only service dogs will be permitted on Festival grounds

ADMISSION PRICE

$35.00 dollars this is for a three day wrist band to the festival. Credit cards are accepted at all gates, the Official Iowa Irish Fest merchandise booth and for food/beverage token purchase.

Children 15 and under are free with a paid adult.

ATM ACCESS

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are located at the Bank Iowa on the corner of East 4th and Mulberry within the festival grounds. There is also one located on the corner of Mulberry and East 3rd at Regions Bank which is outside the festival grounds by Gate 1.

ALCOHOL

No alcohol is permitted on festival grounds other than what is purchased at the festival from the Iowa Irish Fest or those business inside festival grounds.

ALCOHOL SALES

Anyone purchasing alcohol must have an alcohol wrist band before you can purchase beer tokens. Photo ID required.

Tokens are $6 dollars each and can be purchased at any ticket booth and token kiosk with cash and credit card. Beers can be purchased directly at the beer booths by credit only.

AWARDS 

Iowa Irish Fest Winner of the:

Cedar Valley Convention & Visitor’s Bureau “2013 Event of the Year” Award
Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber “2011 Cedar Valley Partner” Award
Cedar Valley Convention & Visitor’s Bureau “2010 Event of the Year” Award

ACCOLADES and DONATIONS

$40,000.00 in weekend passes and Iowa Irish Fest Merchandise for local organizations to use in their own fundraising efforts in 2023
$29,000 Donated from freewill offerings at the Sunday mass since 2019
1216 lbs  food donated for those in need to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in 2024.
$12,690 Donated since 2019 to local school groups
$15,300 Donated since 2019 to local veterans and first responder organizations
$16,000 Donated since 2019 to other local nonprofits in Iowa
DONATIONS

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Baby changing Stations

Baby changing and nursing stations are available in the Family Fun Area.

BAGPIPES

There will be bag pipes performing throughout the Festival Grounds.

BEER TOKENS

Anyone purchasing alcohol must have an alcohol wrist band before you can purchase beer tokens.

Tokens are $6 dollars each and can be purchased at any ticket booth and token kiosk with cash and credit card. Beers can be purchased directly at the beer booths by credit only.

BIKES

Bikes are not allowed on festival grounds. There is a bike corral provided and maintained by a local cycle group, area near Gate 4, at E. 4^th Street and Sycamore street.

BREAKFAST

Within the fest grounds:

• Newton’s Restaurant will be open for breakfast.
• The Savvy Bean is OPEN ALL FEST WEEKEND FOR SPECIALS!

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CAMERAS

May I bring my camera?

Yes, we encourage you to bring your camera. Make sure you share some with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

CARA

Cara: n (friend) of the Iowa Irish Fest.  Become a CARA member and help promote the Cedar Valley’s vibrant Irish Culture.  CARA is the official support group of the Iowa Irish Fest.

There are for members only events though out the year. Click here to learn more.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

The Family Fun Area is located at the corner of East 4th street and Mulberry Street. 6 inflatables, two face painters and a Balloon Twister will be featured.

Friday
4:00 – 8 p.m.

Saturday
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday
11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Children 12 and under are welcome.

COOLERS

Coolers are not allowed on festival grounds.

COOLING STATION

A Cooling Station is located at the First Aid Station at the corner of 4^th and Lafayette

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association Inc.
Attn. Iowa Irish Fest
330 E 4th St
Waterloo IA 50703

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DANCE LESSONS

 

DIRECTIONS

 

DIRECTORS

• Agnes Kress
• Chad Shipman

DONATIONS

The Iowa Irish Fest has donated over $15,000.00 dollars and 8,800lbs. of food to local charities.

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN

What should I do in the event of an emergency at the festival?

Call 911

The purpose of this plan is to:

1. Enhance the ability of the Iowa Irish Fest personnel to coordinate response to emergencies and disasters.
2. Reduce vulnerability or avoid potential disasters.
3. Coordinate response to emergencies and disasters.
4. Identify safe structures to be utilized in the case of severe weather.
5. Provide Irish Fest personnel with contact information for critical response entities.

Iowa Irish Fest personnel will be easily identified as such by a safety green shirt displaying the Irish Fest logo and wording “Event Staff” Iowa Irish Fest personnel will also display a “Staff” identification badge.

Severe weather shelters

Irish Fest personnel will continually monitor the weather to provide forewarning in the event of severe weather. In the event of a likely imminent severe weather event, Irish Fest participants will be advised to evacuate the area and/or seek shelter at one of the following previously approved locations:

1. Waterloo Main Fire Station, Station # 1, located at 425 East 3rd Street.
2. Waterloo City Hall basement, located at 715 Mulberry Street.
3. The City of Waterloo parking ramp, located on East Park Ave. at Lafayette Street.
4. The Elks Club, located on East Park Ave. at Mulberry Street.
5. Any of the many businesses open within the Fest grounds

Rapid Evacuation Points

Several intersections have been identified as rapid evacuation routes. They are as follows:

1. East 4th Street at Mulberry Street.
2. East Park Avenue at Mulberry Street.
3. East 4th Street at Franklin Street.
4. East 4th Street at Lafayette Street.

Medical Emergencies

When Irish Fest personnel become aware of any type of medical emergency, they will respond to a rapid evacuation point and direct emergency personnel to the location of the medical emergency. In addition, there will be First Aid tents at Mulberry Street and East Park Avenue, Corner of 4^th & Lafayette, as well as in the family area to assist participants as needed.

Critical Incidents of Disorder

If Irish Fest personnel feel a critical incident of disorder is of such magnitude that the safety of Irish Fest participants is compromised, Irish Fest personnel should direct participants to a rapid evacuation point. If at all possible, and without jeopardizing their own safety, Irish Fest personnel should then direct responding emergency personnel to the critical incident of disorder.

Critical entity contact information

1. Emergency Police, Fire, and Rescue: 911
2. Non-emergency Police, Fire, and Rescue: 291-2515
3. Fire Department Shift Commander: 291-4461
4. Police Department Shift Commander: 291-4349
5. Water Utility: 232-6280
6. Gas Company: 800-595-5325
7. Street Department: 291-4267
8. Leisure Services: 291-4370

Irish Fest personnel responsibilities

It is the joint responsibility of the IIF Chairman, IIF Co-Chairman and the Production Director to make the determination when festival operations are to be suspended and the grounds evacuated due to severe weather or critical incident.

It is the responsibility of all Iowa Irish Fest staff members to be alert to any and all emergency situations and to promptly report the incident to the proper authorities. All staff members shall also report such incidents to the IIF Chairman. In the case of all Medical Emergencies, call 911 first. Be prepared to stay on the line with the emergency dispatcher until they have gathered all necessary information.

Irish Fest personnel Evacuation Assignments

Each Irish Fest committee member will be assigned to a specific location or rapid evacuation point in the event that evacuation is necessary in the case of severe weather or a critical incident.

Gate #1 (E. Park Ave & Mulberry Street)  –  Volunteers & Merchandise

Gate #2 (E. 4th Street & Mulberry Street)  –  Vendors, Family Area, 5K

Gate #3 (E. 4th Street & Lafayette Street)  –  Cara & Marketing

Lincoln Park(E.4th & Franklin Street)  –  Logistics, Beverage, Treasurer

Park Ave. Stage (Lincoln Park) – Entertainment & Production, Safety

LSB Stage (E.4th & Lafayette) – IIF Chairman, IIF President

It is the responsibility of the IIF Chairman and Production Director to make announcements to our guests from both the Park Ave. Stage and Lincoln Savings Bank Stage that the festival is being temporarily suspended and the grounds will be evacuated.  (See announcements)

General Safety and Security

It is the responsibly of all Iowa Irish Fest committee members to insure the safety and security of our guests. Be alert to any and all safety and security concerns and report them to the IIF Chairman.

Rapid Evacuation Announcements

• May I have you attention please: The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Weather Warning Alert for Black Hawk County which includes the Waterloo metropolitan area. At this time we are suspending operations on the Iowa Irish Festival grounds. We ask that all guests exit the festival grounds in an orderly fashion through the nearest gate and take shelter immediately. Shelters near the fest grounds include the Waterloo City Hall basement at 715 Mulberry, the Waterloo Fire Department Station 1 basement located at E.3rd & Franklin, the Four Oaks building at E. 4th & Mulberry and the East Side Parking Ramp on E. Park Ave. at Lafayette Street. Our festival will resume normal operations when the ALL CLEAR is given by the National Weather Service.      (Repeat as needed)

• May I have your attention please: The Waterloo Police Department has identified a Critical Incident on or near the Iowa Irish Festival grounds. At the request of the Waterloo Police Department, we are suspending all activities at this time on the festival grounds. We ask that everyone, please exit the grounds in an orderly fashion. We will resume normal activity when the ALL CLEAR is given by the direction of the Waterloo Police Department. Thank you for your cooperation.    (Repeat as needed)

In coordination with and authored by:

Daniel J. Trelka, City of Waterloo Director of Safety Services

ENTERTAINMENT

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FAMILY FUN + LEARNING AREA

The Family Fun Area is located at the corner of East 4th street and Sycamore Street.

Friday
4:00 – 8 p.m.

Saturday
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday
11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Children 12 and under are welcome.

FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE

Official Iowa Irish Festival merchandise is available at the merchandise booth. Choose from T-shirts, hats, pint glasses, pins and more! Location: Inside Lincoln Park near the Beer Tent.

FIREWORKS

No fireworks are permitted. No fireworks will be displayed.

FIREARMS

No firearms or any type of weapons are allowed on festival grounds with the exception of Law Enforcement officials.

FIRST AID

First Aid is located:

• Near the Park Avenue and Mulberry gate
• In the Family Fun Area.
• Corner of 4^th & Lafayette

FOOD

Many food vendors will be available for you to purchase all types of food.  From Traditional Irish to your American Favorites. No outside food is permitted into the fest grounds. Click Here for a list of Food Vendors

FOOD TICKETS

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GUNS

No firearms or any type of weapons are allowed on festival grounds with the exception of Law Enforcement officials.

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HIGHLAND GAMES

Traditional Gaelic games consisting of events with heaving, lifting, and tossing.  There will be an exhibition on Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in Lincoln Park.  Competitive competition begins Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and goes until around 4:00 p.m.

HOTELS

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INFORMATION

An information/media tent is located near the intersection of East 4th and Mulberry Street.  Festival information is also available at all five admission gates.

IRISH CONTESTS

King/Queen and Prince/Princess along with Best Legs in a Kilt will be held on 4.30pm Saturday.

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KILTS

What Irish Festival would be complete without kilts?  We encourage you to wear your kilt if you have one or to purchase one from one of the vendors that will be selling them.

You may also enter the Best Legs in a Kilt contest.  Best Legs in a Kilt will be held on 4.30pm Saturday.

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LOST CHILDREN

Lost children should be taken to the Volunteer Check-in tent located by Gate 1 or to any Iowa Irish Fest staff members.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost items may be turned in at any Information Tent located near the intersection of East 4th and Mulberry Street.  You may also call 319-234-9029. (Update phone number)

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MAPS

Click Here to Download a PDF Map

MASS

The Iowa Irish Fest will once again hold an outdoors Sunday Mass.  Gates open at 8:30 with Mass at 10:00.  Admission to the festival grounds will be two items of a non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.  This donation will allow you to enjoy the festival for the entire day. Free admission with the food donation is only good until 10:30 AM on Sunday.

MERCHANDISE

Official Iowa Irish Fest merchandise will be available at their booth on the grounds inside Lincoln Park.

Many merchandise vendors will be available for your enjoyment to browse or purchase your favorite Irish and American flairs.

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NO-SMOKING

Not allowed

The following are NOT permitted inside the grounds. There are metal detectors at each gate, so please come prepared & leave the following at home:

• No Alcohol
• No Illegal Drugs or Substances
• No Firearms
• No Knives
• No Weapons or Objects that could be used as Weapons
• No Fireworks
• No drones
• No Camelback Style Hydration Packs
• No Picnic Baskets
• No Cans or Glass Bottles
• No Aerosol Cans
• No Pets (except documented service animals)
• No Selfie Sticks
• No Banners or Flags on Poles
• No Laser Pointers
• No Skateboards, skates or bicycles
• No Kites
• No Hula-Hoops
• No Wagons or carts
• No unauthorized solicitation and materials including handbills, flyers, stickers, give-aways, samples, etc.

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ON-SITE GUIDE

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PARADE

The Iowa Irish Fest kicks off with a small walking opening ceremony on Friday at 4:00 p.m. The procession begins on the west side of the river on West 4th street and processes back across the river on 4th street to Lincoln Park.

PARKING

Parking is available on any side streets. You may also park in the parking ramp located on Park Avenue. Paid Parking is available in the East Side Parking Ramp located on E. Park Ave after 5pm on Friday and all day Saturday & Sunday. Paid parking is also located behind the Elks Lodge building at E. Park & Mulberry.

Don’t forget about our free shuttle services that goes throughout the Cedar Valley. Link to Shuttle page.

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PHONE APP

A phone App is available in Google Play and Apple Store under Iowa Irish Fest

PHOTO CONTEST

Stay tuned for more details in 2026

POSTER

The official Iowa Irish Fest poster by artist Gary Kelley will be available for purchase at the Iowa Irish Fest merchandise booth.

 

PROGRAM

 

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QUESTIONS?

Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Email us at info@iowairishfest.com

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RE-ENTRY

We will be using wrist bands for your entrance to the fest grounds this year.  This will be a three day band so if you intend to come back to the festival you will need to leave your wristband on.  Anyone who does not have an official wristband on will have to purchase one or will have to leave the festival grounds.

RUGBY

Saturday, August 2nd

Cedar Valley Soccer Complex, 3228 Dewitt Road, Waterloo, Iowa

Adults and High schoolers are welcome to come battle it out in a friendly game of Rugby.

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SERVICE ANIMALS

SCHEDULE

SHUTTLE SERVICES

Click Here for Shuttle Schedule

SPONSORS

To see a full list of our sponsors go to Sponsor page.

Please make sure you thank the sponsors of the Irish Fest.  Without them it would not be possible.

Want to sponsor the 2025 Iowa Irish Fest? Contact our sponsorship team.

SUNDAY SERVICES

The Iowa Irish Fest will once again hold an outdoors Mass. Gates open at 8:30 with Mass at 10:00.  Admission to the festival grounds, during Mass only, will be two items of a non-perishable items that will be donated to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.  This donation will allow you to enjoy the festival for the entire day.

SUNSCREEN

Not mandatory but highly recommended.  We want to see more green than red during the festival.

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TASTINGS

 

TICKETS

$35.00 dollars this is for a three day wrist band to the festival.

What do I do if I cannot find my online ticket?

Send a message through Eventbrite and we can resend you your tickets.

TIME OF EVENTS

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V

VIP EXPERIANCE

VIP Experience which includes family tables are available for purchase for $1,000.00 dollars. You get a table for the week end along with 8 weekend passes to the festival and eight beer tokens.  These go fast so contact us early.  If there is not one available, you will be put on a waiting list.

VENDORS

Click Here for a list of Vendors

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are essential to the festival.  We need over 1,600 to make your festival what it has been and what we all hope it will continue to be.  We need every one of you. Click here to see what shifts are open for this fest!

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WALK/RUN 5K

ShamRock N Run 5k Fun Run/Walk

August 2nd 2025

WATER

Available for sale from food vendors or if you need to you can go to the first aid tent located near the Park Avenue and Mulberry gate, they will assist you.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Yes, the Festival is wheelchair accessible. Just keep in mind that the Festival takes place in a park, so there is some grassy terrain. The Festival is accessible via sidewalks and streets, and there are plenty of curb-cuts.

WHISKEY TASTING

WRISTBANDS

We will be using wrist bands for your entrance to the fest grounds.  This will be a three day band so if you intend to come back to the festival you will need to leave your wristband on.  Anyone who does not have an official wristband on will have to purchase one or will have to leave the festival grounds.

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Y

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