Waterloo, IA: Black Hawk County

The magical date for all those who love all things Irish, even if it’s just for one day, is generally March 17th. The early days of spring gives us countless parades… and waves of green beer with corned beef and cabbage by the truck full. All can be enjoyable ways to ring in the annual St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Why stop there? Why should March get all the leprechaun attention? There’s one town that doesn’t conform to the rites of March and does the shamrock shimmy in their own way. Put your Bailey’s down for a moment and get your calendar marked for August 4th. Then August 5th. Then August 6th. You’re heading to Downtown Waterloo for three straight days of one of the country’s biggest Celtic inspired celebrations. Iowa Irish Fest! Let’s watch the video below for a little sampler…

I want to make this very clear. The music starts the moment the gates open and will not stop until the last kilt wanders its way from Downtown Waterloo a couple days later. Whether it’s on the 6 LIVE, I said LIVE, stages positioned through Waterloo’s historic downtown district, or any the multiple bars, restaurants, and clubs surrounding the festival. Dancing, chanting, cheering, dueling pianos, and anything that can make your spirits skyrocket. And while your enjoying the music….EAT! Iowa Irish Fest Style.

Here is all but a tiny appetizer to what is offered at the endless possibilities to satisfy your hunger at Iowa Irish Fest. The guy in the green shirt is your friend JayJay and the handsome host to the 2016 festivities and booming voice on the video above. And that grin is caused by the generous cut of traditional haggis from one of many food stands pumping out Irish fare. The other two pictures were from Jameson’s Public House right in the middle of downtown Waterloo. A traditional Irish dinner meets the traditional Irish breakfast. Both found a great home by the way. Not in to Irish food? No problem! Iowa Irish Fest offers choices from around the world and traditional American fair going favorites. Trust me…You’ll find plenty of great food you and the whole family will enjoy. I’m thirsty, now.

Iowa Irish Fest prides itself for being family friendly and they do a terrific job of making that happen. They also make it enjoyable for folks who want to partake in the occasional adult beverage. And beverages. Beer lover? Who know that’s covered. Not a beer lover? No problem! I suggest sniffing out the fresh sangria.

We can go on and on about Iowa Irish Fest and you know what? We will! Stay tuned to this blog post for more videos coming soon and be sure to click here to view and “like” the Iowa Irish Fest Facebook page. See you in August, Irish nation!