Question What are some popular Irish festivals held annually in New Jersey?

Answer Some of the most celebrated Irish festivals in New Jersey include: The Annual Feis in Augusta The Annual Irish Festival at the Monmouth Racetrack in Oceanport The Ocean County Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Irish Festival in Manahawkin The North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival , known as the largest Irish festival on the East Coast.

Question When are these Irish festivals typically held?

Answer Spring/Summer/Fall: Events usually begin in June with the Annual Irish Festival at the Monmouth Ractrack in Oceanport in June and culminate with the North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival in September. March: St. Patrick's Day celebrations and parades dominate in March.

Question What activities can I expect at Irish festivals?

Answer Visitors enjoy traditional Irish music, step dancing, food vendors offering Irish fare, beer gardens, crafts, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities.

Question Are these events family-friendly?

Answer Yes, most New Jersey Irish festivals include activities for all ages, such as face painting, storytelling, and kids’ zones, alongside adult-oriented events like beer tastings.

Question Do I need tickets for these festivals?

Answer It varies by event. Many festivals are free to attend, while others may charge for specific activities or admission. Check the event’s website for details.

Question Can I participate as a vendor or performer?

Answer Yes, many festivals welcome vendors and performers. Contact the festival organizers directly through their official websites for applications and guidelines.

Question Are pets allowed at Irish festivals?

Answer Policies differ by event and location. Check the specific festival’s rules regarding pets.

Question What should I wear to an Irish festival?

Answer Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and don’t forget to show your Irish spirit with green attire or Celtic-inspired designs!

Discover 2025’s Top Irish Festivals Near Me in New Jersey

Guide to the Best New Jersey Irish Festivals

New Jersey Irish Festivals:
Discover the vibrant Irish culture through these 2025 festive events.

Ever wanted to experience the rich culture of Ireland without leaving the state?

New Jersey boasts a thriving Irish American population and hosts a number of lively Irish festivals.

Given this substantial community, it's not surprising that these events have become popular traditions here.

These festivals offer a vibrant display of cultural pride, with opportunities to enjoy lively bands, feast on mouthwatering food, explore unique Celtic crafts, and sip on refreshing Irish beers. More than just a party, they're also an excellent way to learn and experience the rich traditions of Ireland.

Irish festivals go beyond just celebration; they foster community pride, introduce and teach Irish Americans and others about all things Irish, and help strengthen relationships within the community.

So, why not join the fun? Come and add to the merriment at one of New Jersey's many vibrant Irish festivals!

What Defines an Authentic Irish Festival Experience in New Jersey?

An authentic NJ Irish Celebration transcends the surface-level green attire and festive drinks. It's a full sensory experience defined by several key elements. First and foremost is the music; the sound of fiddles, bodhráns, and bellowing bagpipes from live bands is non-negotiable. Equally important is the visual spectacle of Irish step-dancing, where performers from local dance schools showcase their incredible skill. Authentic food and drink, from savory corned beef sandwiches to a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, are essential. Beyond entertainment, a genuine festival involves the community and offers cultural depth, with heritage tents, craft vendors, and sometimes even Gaelic language demonstrations, allowing attendees to connect with the traditions of Ireland right here in New Jersey.

How Do Festivals in Ireland Influence New Jersey's Celebrations?

There is a vibrant cultural feedback loop between Ireland and the Garden State, and the New Jersey Irish Festivals often reflect trends emerging from the Emerald Isle. While local organizers curate unique experiences, they keep a close eye on Ireland's bustling festival scene. For example, a breakout band that becomes a sensation at a major Irish festival might be booked to headline at the Irish Fall Festival in North Wildwood later that year. Culinary trends, such as the rise of artisanal Irish spirits or new twists on classic dishes, often find their way onto the menus of NJ food vendors. This cultural exchange ensures that the local Irish festival near me feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition, offering attendees an evolving and authentic taste of modern Irish culture.

What Are Ceili, Feile, and Fleadh—and Will You Find Them in New Jersey?

Understanding these Gaelic terms can deepen your appreciation for traditional Irish festivals.

A Céilí (kay-lee) is a social gathering focused on traditional group dancing, and while dedicated céilís might be hosted by cultural centers, you'll see lively step-dancing exhibitions at nearly every irish festival in NJ.

Féile (fay-la) simply means "festival" and is a broad term for a cultural celebration.

A Fleadh (flah), short for Fleadh Cheoil, is a festival centered around music competitions. The best example in New Jersey is the Annual Feis in Augusta, which embodies the spirit of a Fleadh with its judged competitions in dance and music.

What Is the Bealtaine Festival and
Are There Similar Spring Events in New Jersey?

Bealtaine is an ancient Gaelic May Day festival marking the beginning of summer, historically celebrated with bonfires and rituals to welcome renewal and fertility. While you won't find explicit Bealtaine celebrations in New Jersey, its themes of community and seasonal change resonate in many local spring events.

The state's numerous St. Patrick's Day parades in March serve as the unofficial kickoff to the heritage season, shaking off winter and bringing communities together. Furthermore, early summer events like the Spring Lake Irish Festival capture a similar spirit of cheerful, open-air gathering.

These springtime irish events echo Bealtaine's core purpose: celebrating the return of warmth and life with friends and neighbors.

What Nearby Attractions Enhance Your Irish Festival Day Out?

For the Irish Fall Festival (North Wildwood): Make it a full Jersey Shore weekend. Before or after the festival, enjoy the iconic Wildwood Boardwalk, relax on the wide, free beaches, or enjoy the amusement rides at Morey's Piers.
For the Ocean County Irish Festival (Manahawkin): You are just a short drive from Long Beach Island (LBI). Plan to visit the historic Barnegat Lighthouse, enjoy the charming shops in Beach Haven, or simply relax on the pristine coastline.
For the Smithville Irish Festival (Smithville): The festival takes place within Historic Smithville itself. Plan extra time to explore the village's 60+ unique shops, ride the carousel, paddle a boat on the lake, and enjoy its year-round charming atmosphere.
For the Hamilton Irish Fest (Hamilton): The world-renowned Grounds For Sculpture is just a few miles away. This stunning 42-acre sculpture park and museum is a must-see and offers a perfect cultural complement to your festival weekend. Mercer County Park is also nearby for a scenic walk.
For the Burlington County Irish Festival (Mount Holly): Dive into local history by exploring downtown Mount Holly's historic district, visiting the Burlington County Prison Museum, or taking a peaceful walk through nearby Rancocas State Park.

Stay tuned --- we will be updating this list as the event sponsors confirm this year's events.

2025 Irish Festivals and Themed Events

Ocean County Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Irish Festival
Saturday, September 6, 2025; @11am -7pm
Manahawkin Lake Park
86 N Main St
Manahawkin, NJ
This family event features a Beer Garden including wine/hard seltzer/ciders Extensive Food Vendors including Corned Beef Sandwiches. Entertainment will feature Live Irish Pipes & Drum Bands and Irish Step Dancers. Family & Pet Friendly Craft Vendors Pot O' Gold Playland for Children activities, games, ice-cream, face painting and a host of other goodies for the kids.

Annual Feis
Sunday, September 7th, 2025; 8:45 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M.
Sussex County Fairgrounds
Plains Road
Augusta, NJ
This event features a step dancing competition, music, art, Irish language, massed bands, food, Irish vendors, and a beer garden.

Burlington County Irish Festival
September 13th, 2025: 11AM-6 PM
Mill Dam Park
Wall Street
Mount Holly, NJ
This anual celebration features Irish Bands, a Cultural tent, Pipers, Irish Dancers and more! There will beer and wine for sale including Guinness, Miller Lite, Smithwick's, Magner's Cider, Spellbound, and more. There will also be a food truck on site as well as Irish Dancers and Pipe bands playing in between the bands.

Irish Fall Festival
September 19, 20, 21, 2025
Olde New Jersey Avenue
North Wildwood, NJ
One of the largest Irish festivals in the country is held at the Jersey shore -- every September. This festival features a celebration of Irish heritage with dancing, music, food and craft vendors. Other festivities include a golf tournament, Irish dance lessons, 5K run and 1 mile walk, pipe exhibition, food court, and Catholic Mass. The events conclude with a parade on Sunday down Surf Avenue from 20th to Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues.

Bayonne Irish Festival
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
Thomas Di Domenico Park
16th Street & Avenue A
Bayonne, NJ
This event features live Irish music with food and drink available for purchase.

Shamrocks By The Sea, Celtic Festival
Saturday,September 27th, 2025; 10am to 6pm (rain or shine)
Seaside Park Marina Green
101 J St
Seaside Park, NJ
This family event features a celebration of Irish culture with traditional Irish food and Irish entertainment provided by The Shantys, Bally Haunis, The Shamrock and Thistle Pipe Band, and Devrin School of Irish Danch.

Hamilton Irish Fest
Friday, Saturday, October 3rd, 4th, 2025 (raindate Sunday, October 5th)
2419 Kuser Road
Hamilton Square, NJ
This two day celebration beginning on Friday evening @ 6pm features live Irish music, Kids activities, vendors, food, and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available for purchase throughout the duration of the Festival.
Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit back and enjoy a day of Irish fun and entertainment.

Smithville Irish Festival
Saturday & Sunday, October 11, 12, 2025
Historic Smithville
1 North New York Rd
Smithville, NJ
This annual family event features live Irish entertainment, Irish crafters, Irish food vendors, and a kiddie area with face painting, sand art, pony rides and more. Bring a chair, sit and joy the music and great food.

The South Jersey Celtic Festival
October 11, 12, 2025
Burlington County Fairgrounds
1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd
Columbus, NJ
Cost: $10pp
This family & dog friendly event features Highland Games, Live Irish and Celtic Music, Pipers and Dancers, Craft Beer, Mead, Wine, & Whiskey Tastings, Food Trucks, Merchants, Games & Fun. The Whiskey Tastings at 2 pm @ $40 per person, is an enjoyable activity where attendees can learn the fine art of whiskey tasting and the differences between types of whiskeys.
New Jersey Irish Festivals and Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
What are some popular Irish festivals held annually in New Jersey?

Answer
Some of the most celebrated Irish festivals in New Jersey include:
The Annual Feis in Augusta
The Annual Irish Festival at the Monmouth Racetrack in Oceanport
The Ocean County Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Irish Festival in Manahawkin
The North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival, known as the largest Irish festival on the East Coast.
Question
When are these Irish festivals typically held?
Answer

Spring/Summer/Fall: Events usually begin in June with the Annual Irish Festival at the Monmouth Ractrack in Oceanport in June and culminate with the North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival in September.
March: St. Patrick's Day celebrations and parades dominate in March.
Question
What activities can I expect at Irish festivals?

Answer
Visitors enjoy traditional Irish music, step dancing, food vendors offering Irish fare, beer gardens, crafts, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities.

Question
Are these events family-friendly?

Answer
Yes, most New Jersey Irish festivals include activities for all ages, such as face painting, storytelling, and kids’ zones, alongside adult-oriented events like beer tastings.

Question
Do I need tickets for these festivals?

Answer
It varies by event. Many festivals are free to attend, while others may charge for specific activities or admission. Check the event’s website for details.

Question
Can I participate as a vendor or performer?

Answer
Yes, many festivals welcome vendors and performers. Contact the festival organizers directly through their official websites for applications and guidelines.

Question
Are pets allowed at Irish festivals?

Answer
Policies differ by event and location. Check the specific festival’s rules regarding pets.

Question
What should I wear to an Irish festival?

Answer
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and don’t forget to show your Irish spirit with green attire or Celtic-inspired designs!
Upcoming Irish Themed Events - Tickets