An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/146479
Shopping, food & spirits Outside of Ireland, there's no better place to shop for Irish goods than Milwaukee Irish Fest. The festival features more than 90 vendors selling everything from soccer kits (jerseys) to fine art, jewelry, music and more. Be sure to bring your appetite to Irish Fest 2013. In addition to traditional favorites like corned beef, Irish stew and baked potatoes, new items this year include Irish-themed gelato and specialty coffees. For refreshment, try this year's featured drink, the Jameson® Irish Whiskey Celtic Breeze. The Children's Area is the place to be for crafts and fun activities. Kids can try their hand at traditional Highland games or enjoy two family-friendly entertainment stages. Families can take a tour of Irish Fest with the Family Passport program, a fun and easy way to experience the entire festival. 4,000 volunteers strong More than just a festival, Milwaukee Irish Fest teaches Ireland's music, dance, drama, sports, and culture year round with the help of more than 4,000 volunteers. Gather your family and friends for Milwaukee Irish Fest August 15-18. Slainte! Festival hours are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15 (Grand Hooley); 4 p.m.-midnight on Friday, Aug. 16; noon to midnight Saturday, Aug. 17 and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. General admission for the festival is $17 for adults, $12 for seniors 60+ and free for kids 12 and under. For more information, visit www.irishfest.com or phone 414-476-3378. You also can connect with the festival on Twitter (@MKEIrishFest) or Facebook. The organizers of Milwaukee Irish Fest make it easy and affordable to enjoy the festival. There are a wide variety of special promotions and discounts that guests can take advantage of, including discounts for college students, seniors, military personnel and their families. In addition, the festival offers free or reduced admission during special promotional periods on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. There is free admission on Thursday, Aug. 15, between 5 and 10 p.m. with a donation of school supplies. On Friday, Aug. 16, guests can take advantage of $5 Buck Friday between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, anyone donating a non-perishable food item by 11 a.m. will receive free admission to the festival. Those who donate food items are welcome to stay for the mass beginning at 9:30 a.m. and will receive free admission directly following. Those choosing not to attend the mass will receive a hand stamp for free entry at any point during the day (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) All non-perishable food items will be donated to Hunger Task Force. To learn more about discounts and special promotions, visit www.irishfest.com.