Marin Irish Festival & Ceili on the Lake Championships

Start: Saturday, May 3, 2025 10:00AM
End: Sunday, May 4, 2025 6:00PM

The Marin Irish Festival returns to Lagoon Park at the Marin County Fairgrounds on May 3-4, 2025, bringing a lively Beltane Celebration of Irish music, dance, and heritage to the Bay Area. 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.

A Beltane Festival Rooted in Irish Tradition

Beltane, an ancient Celtic festival marking the arrival of summer, sets the tone for a weekend filled with Maypoles, music, and revelry. Festivalgoers can expect performances across four lively stages, featuring top Irish Irish musicians, dynamic dance performances, and immersive storytelling. More than 40 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, and shepherd’s pie, and of course, authentic pints of Guinness as well as locally brewed hard ciders and ales.

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. The full entertainment lineup will be announced soon.

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. 
• Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA): 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 www.falconscourt.org.
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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.

"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."