Milwaukee Irish Fest announces plans to move forward with 2021 festival

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Irish Fest has announced plans to return to the Henry Maier Festival Park the third weekend of August following a year of absence in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 40th annual Irish Fest will run for three days, from Friday, August 20-Sunday, August 22, compared to its normal four-day run.

Event organizers say they're working with the city of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Health Department and monitoring CDC guidelines in order to produce a safe outdoor event.

“We are moving forward with preparations for our 40th festival,” said Mike Mitchell, executive director of CelticMKE. “We’re going to do everything we can to ensure a safe environment. We will make any necessary adjustments to our operations and modify the layout to comply with regulations, restrictions, and recommendations put in place at the time of our festival."

A plan is already in place to install sanitizing stations throughout the grounds and to enhance cleaning protocols.

"Our festival preparations center around prioritizing the wellbeing and safety of our patrons, volunteers, vendors, entertainers and staff," said Mitchell. "With the rollout of vaccinations, we feel comfortable taking the steps to create an Irish experience this summer for all to safely enjoy."

The number of tickets sold both at the gates and online may be limited due to potential capacity limits. 

Admission tickets will go on sale on the Irish Fest website, irishfest.com, in the coming weeks.

A music lineup will be announced later this spring. Organizers say it will be a hybrid festival, with an exclusive, online Irish program for those who are unable to attend in person.