Irish Festival Seattle Returns To Seattle Center

Photo/Susan Fried

Irish Festival Seattle will return to Seattle Center next month with a weekend celebration of Irish culture, music and dance as part of the Seattle Center Festál series.

The free, family oriented festival will take place at the Seattle Center Armory Food and Event Hall on Saturday, March 14, from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is presented in partnership with the Irish Heritage Club and will feature performances, cultural exhibits and activities highlighting Irish heritage, language and arts.

Irish Festival Seattle is also part of Irish Week 2026, a week long celebration of Irish culture across the region running from March 7 through March 15. This year’s Irish Week marks the 40th anniversary of the Seattle Galway Sister City Association, which celebrates four decades of friendship and cultural exchange between the two cities.

Festivalgoers can enjoy live performances from local Irish step dancing groups including Comerford Irish Dance, Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance, Grafton Street Academy of Irish Dance, Carroll Henderson School of Irish Dance, Cladach Dance, Rowan Fae Irish Dance Company, West Seattle Irish Dance, Fire and Ice Irish Dance Company and Tara Academy of Irish Dance.

Traditional and contemporary Irish music will also be featured throughout the weekend with performances by CAVORT, The Home Rulers with Susan Burke, Keltoi and other musicians.

For adults age 21 and older, an Irish Bar located in The Loft will host additional entertainment including live music by The Wild Geese, That Irish Guy, Nick Kelly of The Fat Lady Sings, Raising Slane and The Morrigans. Visitors can also participate in The Irish Pub Quiz 2026 hosted by the Seattle Gaels.

In addition to music and dance performances, the festival will include a wide range of cultural and educational activities such as lectures, films, genealogy guidance, tin whistle classes, an art exhibition and hands on activities for children and families.

A marketplace will also feature vendors including Apple Cox Design, Carbony Celtic Winds, The Celtic Jewelry Studio, Dot Candles Seattle, The Fancy Accent Tea Company and Beannaigh Traditional Handknitting.

“There is one day a year when everybody wants to be Irish or at least be part of the Irish celebration. St. Patrick’s Day is marked around the world by our diaspora and enjoyed by the millions who help us celebrate,” said Mark Kohler, executive director of the Irish Heritage Club. “Seattle and the Pacific Northwest can come and sample a slice of Ireland at the Seattle Center for the festival.”

Heidi Jackson, managing artistic director of cultural programs at Seattle Center, said the festival offers an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience Irish traditions and community.

“Irish Festival is a vibrant Seattle Center Festál weekend that welcomes everyone into the close knit Irish community to celebrate the richness of Irish culture,” said Jackson. “It’s a joyful mix of memorable fun, discovery, and shared joy.”

Irish Festival Seattle is one of 25 cultural celebrations included in Seattle Center Festál, a year round series of free festivals designed to highlight the many cultures that contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day since the late 1800s with parties, dances and community gatherings. The city’s first official St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in 1972 and the parade has continued annually since then.