Back for our 4th year with an impressive line-up of sound and entertainment, our family-friendly music festival has something for everyone! Join us for a special 50th Anniversary edition of this popular festival which comes the day after our Golden Gala.

Headlining our festival: L.A.VATION—acclaimed U2 tribute band, making their 3rd appearance at the UICC.

Join us on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 11-10 pm (gates open at 11 am and music starts at noon) at the Irish Center for fun for the whole family! Featuring multiple stages (Wawona Gates, St. Patrick’s Room, and the Emerald Pub—plus live piano and harp in the St. Francis Room with the 50th Anniversary Exhibition), this festival will showcase a variety of bands from tribute bands, Irish favorites, and also feature Irish Dancing from some of our local dance schools. Face painting and bounce house for kids during the afternoon hours, Irish Shoppe and other vendors, Wawona Gates—and more!

Band line-up

1. L.A.vation—U2 tribute band
2. The Hooks—Celtic Rock
3. A License to Chill—Jimmy Buffet Tribute
4. Awake—A Doors Experience
5. Doc Sawyers: A Saw Doctors Tribute Band
6. Noise in the Room—SF Rock Band
7. The Harps— Celtic/Classic Rock
8. The Bracers— Early Reggae, Traditional Ska, New Rocksteady
9. Kavanaugh Brothers Celtic Experience— Celtic Rock
10. Turf in the Bog— traditional Irish
11. Shane Beirne—Irish singer-songwriter
12. Karl McHugh— Irish singer-songwriter
13. Blind Lemon Pledge — Acoustic Blues
14. Dennis Doyle—harpist
15. Jeff Rodman—piano

Festival Highlights Include:

1. 4 stages
2. Kid-friendly activities including face-painting and bounce house
3. UICC 50th Anniversary History Exhibition
4. Keepers of the Steps Pop-Up Display—SF Irish Dance History Artifacts
5. Dowling Library—Book Cart; Children’s Storytime; Irish Artifacts
6. The Irish Center’s own Irish Shoppe with tasty treats from Ireland—new shipment of Taytos, Barry’s Tea, Cadbury’s chocolates, and more!
7. Vendors include Irish Castle Gifts, Treasure Ireland, Celtic Tea Shoppe, and more.
8. Food/drink concessions including fresh Shepherd's pies, Taco Truck, and more!