Date: Friday, July 10, 2009

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Chicago

July 10, 11 and 12, 2009.

Irish Fest showcases the finest in local and international Irish and American music, dance and family activities. The festival directly supports and is held on the grounds of the Irish American Heritage Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and strengthening Irish culture in Chicago.

The festival features three days of music on 5 stages, featuring confirmed performers The Tossers, the Sandcarvers, Gaelic Storm, Searson, Screaming Orphans, Eileen Ivers, The Makem and Spain Brothers, The Chancey Brothers, The Mickey Finns and Kevin Flynn and The Avondale Ramblers.

For those inclined toward hands-on activity, the Folk Tent returns with various demonstrations of Irish instruments, dances and sing-alongs. Irish and American food is available throughout the weekend, and dozens of vendors and artisans will be selling Irish clothing, music and jewelry.

Fest activities and contests include The Hooley Hook-up, a Matchmaking event with live music, matchmaking and dancing, the Mashed Potato Eating Contest and the Sham-ROCK Stars Singing Contest for children ages 12-18 and a newly added adult category this year!.

The Irish American Heritage Center, which occupies an 86,000 square foot building on the City's northwest side, fosters the practice, study and celebration of Irish, Celtic and Irish-American cultural traditions. Membership in the Center is open to anyone with an interest in these traditions. The IAHC houses a 650-seat theatre, a library, an authentic Irish pub, a Social Center, a museum, dance/music studios and meeting rooms.

To purchase advance sale tickets, which are available April 15, call 773-282-7035, ext. 10. For more information, visit www.irishfestchicago.com.

Tickets: $14 per day; $8 in advance until the end of day on July 9; seniors $7, and children under 12 free when accompanied by a paid adult.

Hours: Fri., 6-midnight; Sat., noon-midnight; Sun., noon-11 p.m.

Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630.