When is the Festival?

The 2008 Kansas City Irish Fest will run on Labor Day weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 29-31.

Who is performing at this year's Festival?

Two dozen world class acts on five stages. There is a Heritage tent & stage for music and dance performances, demonstrations and readings, and a children's stage as well. See the Entertainment Page of the Website for details of performers and check out the full schedule to see when your favorite band is playing.

Can I buy tickets in advance or online?

Yes, as well as paying cash at the gate on the day (no checks please), tickets will be available at metro area HyVee stores, as well as most local Irish shops, such as Sheehan's Irish Imports, Browne's Irish Market, and Doherty & Sullivan's.

Where is the Festival?

At Hallmark's beautiful Crown Center Square , just South of downtown Kansas City, Missouri - at 25th and Grand.

Can I bring a lawn chair? I hate sitting on the ground.

Absolutely. We'd never ask you to sit on the ground, unless you really wanted to.

Why isn't my favorite band playing?

Well, we hope they are. If not, you have a couple of choices. You can drop us a line and let us know who your favorite band is so we can book them next year. Or you can pick a new favorite band from the fantastic line up we've put together. 

How much does admission cost?

Adults: $10 per day at the gate, $8 in advance.
Children 12 & under are free!
Seniors (65 & older): $5 per day

Anyway you look at it, it's a small price to pay for all that entertainment and fun.

I'm cheap. Can I get in for free?

You're not cheap, you're thrifty and that's a fine quality. Yes , you can get in free. If you're under 12 years old, if you volunteer to work at the festival - or if you stay in one of our two official Irish Fest hotels, at the special Irish Fest rates.

What times do the gates open and close?

Friday, August 29th from 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Saturday, August 30th from 11:00am to 11:00pm
Sunday, August 31st from 11:00am to 11:00pm

Should I bring the kids?

Both the Festival and the grounds are designed for families. By all means, bring the kids. Borrow some if you don't have any handy. And remember, if they're 12 or under, they're admitted for free.

Can I bring a stroller?

Absolutely. Go ahead and bring the baby, too.

Can I bring my Irish Wolfhound and my Irish Setter?

Sorry, no. Pets of any persuasion aren't allowed at Irish Fest, service animals excepted.

Can I bring a blanket? Picnic basket? Cooler?

Yes, feel free to bring your favorite blanket. But sorry to say, it's a no on the picnic basket, as well as your cooler. No outside food or drink is allowed to be brought in to the festival grounds. But we'll have plenty to eat and drink at the fest, promise.

I have a canopy I'd like to bring - Can I?

Sorry, no tents or canopies are allowed. Small umbrellas are okay (not that you'll need them). 

Are there ATMS available at Irish Fest?

ATMS are located just inside the irish Fest front gate, as well as inside the Crown Center Atrium/retail area, The Hyatt and Westin hotels and at neighboring banks. You can't swing a cat without hitting an ATM.

Will there be any First Aid on site?

No, you're on your own.

Just kidding. Yes, there will be a designated first aid tent.

I'd like to Volunteer to help . What do I do?

Bless your heart. We'd love you to volunteer too - and so would our Volunteer Co-ordinator Daneil. Just fill out a volunteer form, we're accepting volunters now and let us know when you can work and what areas you're interested in and we'll get you all set up. And thank you!

I'd like to be a Vendor - how do I apply?

We're just about full for 2008. If - and only if - you are an Irish or Celtic-themed vendor, you can apply by submitting a Vendor Application .

I'd like to perform at the Festival. What do I do?

Practice, practice practice.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

We are completely booked for the 2008 Festival, but you can submit a letter of application for the 2009 Festival and any promotional materials to either mailing address at the top of the Contact page. We typically beginning booking in October. 

How do I contact the Festival?

How do I contact the Festival?
Voice Mail: 816-997-0837
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 5891, Kansas City, MO 64171
e-Mail: visit our Contact Page for information about performing, vending, sponsoring, general feedback, or the website.

Where can I park?

Crown Center has ample free parking surrounding the grounds (covered and non-covered). Handicapped parking is also available.

I don't live in Kansas City. Where should I stay?

At one of our two festival hotels, both located within 1 block of the festival grounds. They are two of Kansas City's most popular hotels: the 731-room Hyatt Regency Crown Center, and the 729-room Westin Crown Center - both again offer an astonishing special Irish Fest rate and free single-day tickets to the Festival. In fact even if you do live in Kansas City you should stay in one of the hotels.

Will there be a Mass at the festival?

Yes, there will be an outdoor Mass on the Terrace Stage Sunday morning at 9:30, complete with Irish music.

I'm a musician. Should I bring my instrument?

Unless it's like a piano or something, by all means yes. There will be traditional Irish musical workshops in the Heritage Area, and there are always sessions in the hotel lobbies in the late hours...often into the early hours!

I have a question that you didn't answer here. What do I do?

Simple. Ask us here, and if we don't know the answer, we'll find it. Or we'll make something up. Either way, you'll get some sort of answer promptly.