2023 Motor City Irish Fest comes back to Livonia June 9-11
LIVONIA — The Motor City Irish Fest is coming back to Greenmead Historical Park June 9-11.
One of the premier Irish-themed events in Southeast Michigan, the festival is a celebration of Irish heritage and features live music, including headline bands from Ireland and Boston.
"The MCIF is a family affair that celebrates Irish Heritage," said Kevin Murphy, co-chairman of the event, in a release. "We celebrate that heritage through music and stories that educate on Irish culture, both past and present.”
This year’s festival music headliners are Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones, from Ireland, and The Gobshites from Foxborough, Mass. Other regional and local bands make up the 20 acts that will perform in two music tents over the weekend.
The festival also features a cultural tent focused on Irish heritage that will offer presentations on Detroit’s Irish-American community, Irish theater, and the Beatles' movie "A Hard Day’s Night," which features Paul McCartney’s Irish grandfather.
For the kids, there is a children’s area with a wide variety of activities that introduce the "wee ones" to Irish heritage. Activities include Irish-themed crafting, Irish dance lessons, a magic show, Irish whistle lessons, a reddest-hair contest, Irish football lessons and more.
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No Irish festival would be complete without an opportunity to taste Irish whiskey. There will be several tasting events throughout the weekend featuring five Irish whiskeys, including traditional brands and newer brands. There is one tasting on Friday and three on Saturday. A separate, $45 ticket is required for the tastings. Tickets come with a complementary whiskey glass.
The event also features a Catholic Mass, shopping opportunities and plenty of Irish food to enjoy.
For more information and to order tickets, visit motorcityirishfest.com.