Best New Jersey Irish Festivals in 2026

Updated September 14, 2026

Celebrate Irish heritage across New Jersey in 2026 with vibrant festivals held throughout the state.

From lively parades and traditional music to authentic food, spirited dancing, and family-friendly entertainment, these events bring communities together and offer something for every age.

The 2026 New Jersey Irish festival schedule includes events in Clinton, Clark, Oceanport, Wildwood, Spring Lake, Manahawkin, Augusta, Columbus, and Galloway.
The festival season runs from March through October, with events featuring Irish music, dancing, food, cultural activities, vendors, and family entertainment.
Free admission is listed for the Hunterdon County Irish Festival, Wildwood's June Irish Festival, Spring Lake Irish Festival, Ocean County Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Irish Festival, and Smithville Irish Festival.
Major events include the Monmouth Park Irish Festival on June 7, Wildwood's Irish Fall Festival from September 25 to 27, and the South Jersey Celtic Festival on October 10 and 11.
Visitors should check each festival's official website for current schedules, admission prices, parking details, and weather updates before attending.

2026 New Jersey Irish Festivals & Cultural Celebrations Scheduled Across the State

Discover the best 2026 New Jersey Irish festivals and cultural celebrations, featuring authentic Irish music, dance, food, parades, Celtic traditions, and family-friendly events held throughout the Garden State.

Hunterdon County Irish Festival

March 13-15, 2026 (rain or shine)
Red Mill Museum, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ
A three-day celebration at Red Mill Museum Village featuring live Irish music, dancing, food, family activities, and the county parade.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions are available for a fee

The Union County Celtic Festival

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026; 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Deutscher Club of Clark, 787 Featherbed Ln, Clark, NJ
This vibrant celebration offers exhilarating entertainment, a dedicated children's area, immersive cultural activities, traditional dancing, and a lively beer garden. Enjoy the thrill of piping and drumming competitions, discover Gaelic Football and Hurling exhibitions, and indulge in delicious cuisine from a variety of vendors.
Cost: $20 on the day of the event Children (ages 5–12): $5 Children (ages 4 and under): Free

Annual Monmouth Park Irish Festival

Sunday, June 7th, 2026
Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport NJ
The 54th Annual New Jersey Irish Festival features a day beginning with a traditional Irish mass. Plus, an exciting day of live racing, Irish foods, vendors, dancing, music, and more. FREE Family Fun Day activities – including clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house – take place from 12-4pm in the picnic area.
Cost: $7 GA, $5 grandstand

Wildwood's June Irish Festival

June 12, 13, 14, 2026
Fox Park, Wildwood, NJ
The NJ Irish Festival brings the spirit of Ireland to the Jersey Shore, This early summer event, while smaller than its September counterpart (the Irish Fall Festival), provides an intimate atmosphere perfect for families and those who want to experience Irish culture without the massive crowds.

The festival features traditional Irish music on multiple stages, authentic food vendors serving everything from corned beef to fish and chips, Irish step dancing performances, and more.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions are available for a fee

Spring Lake Irish Festival

Saturday, June 13, 2026: 12pm - 5pm
Third & Morris Ave., Spring Lake, NJ
Spring Lake, affectionately known as the Jersey Shore's Irish Riviera, is celebrating this annual family friendly event that features Irish themed activities including live Irish music, Irish Step dancing, Irish food, kids activities, and shopping.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, drink and other attractions are available for a fee.

Ocean County Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Irish Festival

Saturday, September 12, 2026; @11am -7pm
Manahawkin Lake Park, 86 N Main St, Manahawkin, NJ
This family event features a Beer Garden and Food Vendors

Entertainment will feature Live Irish Pipes & Drum Bands and Irish Step Dancers. Family & Pet Friendly Craft Vendors, Pot O' Gold Playland for Children activities, and more
Cost: Admission is free. Food, drink, and other attractions are available for a fee.

Irish Fall Festival

September 25-27, 2026
Olde New Jersey Avenue , North Wildwood, NJ
One of the largest Irish festivals in the country.
This festival features a celebration of Irish heritage with dancing, music, food and craft vendors.

Other festivities include a golf tournament, Irish dance lessons, 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.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, drink and other attractions are available for a fee

Bayonne Irish Festival

Saturday, September 26th, 2026
Thomas Di Domenico Park, 16th Street & Avenue A,
Bayonne, NJ

This event features live Irish music with food and drink.

Cost: Admission is free. Food, drink, and other attractions are available for a fee.

The South Jersey Celtic Festival

October 10, 11, 2026
Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ
Its two full days of traditional music, Highland athletics, dance, artisan crafts, and family friendly cultural activities.
The festival blends lively Celtic bands, bagpipes, clan heritage displays, food trucks, and a marketplace of handmade goods.
Cost: Admission $10pp. Food, drink, and other attractions are available for a fee.

Smithville Irish Festival

Saturday & Sunday, October 10, 11, 2026
Historic Smithville, Galloway, NJ
This annual celebration features two lively days of Celtic spirit to Historic Smithville. Stroll the charming village as it fills with traditional Irish music, step dancing, artisan vendors, hearty pub fare, and family friendly entertainment.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, drink and other attractions are available for a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions
About New Jersey Irish Festivals in 2026

When are the 2026 New Jersey Irish festivals?

The listed 2026 New Jersey Irish festivals take place between March 13 and October 11. The schedule includes spring, summer, and fall events in communities across North, Central, and South Jersey.

Which New Jersey Irish festivals have free admission?

Free admission is listed for the Hunterdon County Irish Festival, Wildwood's June Irish Festival, Spring Lake Irish Festival, Ocean County Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Irish Festival, and Smithville Irish Festival. Food, drinks, activities, or other attractions may cost extra.

What is the largest Irish festival in New Jersey?

The article identifies Wildwood's Irish Fall Festival as one of the largest Irish festivals in the country. The 2026 event is scheduled for September 25 to 27 in North Wildwood and includes music, dancing, food, vendors, cultural activities, and a Sunday parade.

Which New Jersey Irish festivals are family-friendly?

Many of the listed festivals include family activities, children's areas, cultural demonstrations, or entertainment for different age groups. The Union County Celtic Festival, Monmouth Park Irish Festival, Ocean County festival, and Wildwood events all list family-oriented activities.

What can visitors expect at a New Jersey Irish festival?

Visitors can expect Irish music, step dancing, pipe and drum bands, food vendors, cultural activities, craft vendors, and, at some events, beer gardens or athletic demonstrations. Event schedules, admission fees, parking, and activities vary, so visitors should confirm details with the official event website before going.