The Marin Irish Festival returns to Lagoon Park at the Marin County Fairgrounds on May 3-4, 2025, bringing a lively celebration of Irish music, dance, and heritage. Hosted by Red Barn Productions, producers of The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire, the festival (formerly Ceili On the Lake) promises a weekend of traditional entertainment, hands-on cultural experiences, and family-friendly fun.
Festivalgoers can expect performances across six lively stages, featuring top Irish musicians, dynamic dance performances, immersive storytelling, and children’s activities. More than 30 craft vendors will showcase handcrafted and rare goods, while food trucks and tents will serve up traditional Irish fare, including corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and of course, authentic pints of Guinness, ales, and local hard ciders.
New This Year: A Sanctioned Irish Dance Competition
For the first time, the festival will host a feis (pronounced FESH)—a fully sanctioned Irish dance competition in partnership with the Jackie Flynn Irish Dance Academy. Dancers of all ages will take center stage at the Ceili on the Lake Championships (pronounced KAY-LEE), competing for the prestigious title of 'Champion of Champions.' Dancers can learn more and register to compete at marinirishfestival.com/feis. Festivalgoers can also participate in open Ceili dancing sessions led by instructors throughout the weekend.
Live Music & Open Seisiúin (pronounced SESSIONS)
The festival lineup includes renowned Irish musicians, including the Black Brothers and The Black Irish Band. Guests can also join an open Seisiúin (Irish music participation session) inside the Bearded Goose Pub, where musicians of all skill levels are invited to play in a welcoming, communal setting. Please visit the website for updates to the entertainment lineup.
Sheepdog Demonstrations, Storytelling, and Cultural Exhibits
Beyond music and dance, the Redwood Empire Sheep Dog Association will present sheep-herding demonstrations, showcasing the incredible skill of working sheepdogs, along with live sheep shearing and wool spinning. Other highlights include:
United Irish Cultural Center: Showcasing the “Keepers of the Steps” exhibit along with hard-to-find Irish imports, including rare books and traditional salty and sweet treats.
San Francisco Gaelic Athletic Association: Hurling, Gaelic football, and Camogie (an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women) demonstrations, with fast-paced 5v5 blitz matches.
Marin 4H - Featuring an interactive rabbit exhibit.
Falcon’s Court - A birds-of-prey experience with falcons, owls, and hawks. Opportunities to hold and take photos with these majestic creatures are available with a set donation to falconscourt.org.
A Marketplace of Irish Craftsmanship
The festival marketplace will feature handcrafted jewelry, Irish textiles, ceramics, artwork, and traditional goods. Food vendors will offer an array of Irish and international flavors, and the Bearded Goose Irish Pub will provide a lively gathering place to enjoy drinks and music.
A Beltane Festival Rooted in Irish Tradition
Beltane, an ancient Celtic festival marking the arrival of summer, sets the tone for this vibrant weekend filled with Maypoles, music, and revelry.
"The Marin Irish Festival is a joyful blend of tradition and community, where Irish culture comes to life through music, dance, and storytelling,” said event producer Drew Patterson. “Whether you have deep Irish roots or simply love the festive spirit, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss."
Festival Details
What: Marin Irish Festival & Ceili on the Lake Championships
Where: Lagoon Park, Marin County Fairgrounds, 110 Armory Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903
When: Saturday & Sunday, May 3–4, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets: $30 for adults, $15 for children (ages 5–11)
More Info & Tickets: marinirishfestival.com
