Naperville Irish Fest Marks 5 Years of Music, Culture, and Community
Live music, Irish dance, cultural exhibits, and family fun return to Central Park, September 19-20
(NAPERVILLE, IL, AUGUST 13, 2025) – Naperville Irish Fest is back for its 5th year, and ready to bring the spirit of Ireland to the heart of downtown Naperville on September 19-20, 2025. Hosted by the West Suburban Irish, the festival returns to Central Park for two days filled with music, dance, food, and fun for all ages with proceeds supporting the West Suburban Irish and its mission to promote Irish culture throughout the community. This year’s Naperville Irish Fest is proudly presented by Woody Buick GMC of Naperville as the Emerald Isle Sponsor, with Spennare Americas joining as the Shamrock Sponsor.
Following another successful year in 2024, the 2025 celebration promises even more excitement. Guests can expect a wide range of live performances, traditional Irish dancing, and cultural exhibits from the Irish American Heritage Center that highlight Ireland’s rich history and heritage. The event will also feature the Irish Culture Tent; and the Irish Village for unique shopping, and delicious food and beverages. Returning food favorites include Home Run Inn Pizza and The Creamery. Frank O’Dowd’s Food Truck will make its Naperville Irish Fest debut bringing traditional Irish fare direct from Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub & Grill in downtown Galena, IL. For younger visitors, there will be crafts, face painting, games, and the always-popular kids’ parade.
“We’re gearing up for another fantastic weekend in Central Park,” said Chris O’Hara, Co-Chair of the 2025 Naperville Irish Fest. “It’s a place where friends, families, and neighbors can gather to celebrate the music, the traditions, and the fun of Irish culture with no passport required.”
Naperville Irish Fest remains dedicated to both cultural celebration and giving back to the community. In the philanthropic spirit of the West Suburban Irish, the Fest will again donate $25 for each person who volunteers their time. Volunteers will designate one of the Fest’s selected non-profits to receive the donation in their name.
“The West Suburban Irish’s mission goes beyond sharing Irish heritage,” said Linda Dimitropoulos, Co-Chair of the 2025 Naperville Irish Fest. “We want to strengthen our community, build connections, and make a positive impact while having a great time. It’s why we will once again donate $25 for each person that volunteers their time at Naperville Irish Fest.”
Volunteers get to designate one of the following non-profits to receive $25 donation in their name:
Tickets
Fest goers are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. Discounted tickets are $10 each or two for $15 through September 12, 2025. After that date, tickets are $15 each or two for $25. Tickets are available at wsirish.org/IrishFest.
Event Details
- Dates: Friday and Saturday, September 19-20, 2025
- Location: Central Park, downtown Naperville (104 East Benton St., Naperville)
- Activities: Live music, Irish dance performances, bagpipers, Irish cultural exhibits, children’s activities, sporting demos, whiskey tastings, food and beverage vendors, and more, including:
- Irish Culture
- Q&A with the Consulate of Ireland in Chicago
- History of the Mother Jones Project display
- Irish genealogy
- Two (2) Irish book authors
- Irish hurling & Gaelic football demos
- Kids’ Activities
- St. Patrick & leprechaun photo opportunities
- Kids' parade, storytelling & playground
- Face painting
- Home Depot wood crafts
- Guinness & Whiskey Taskings
- Guinness Tasting: Enjoy a guided Guinness experience on Friday, September 19 at 5:00p at Quigley’s Irish Pub.
- Whiskey Tasting: Savor premium Bushmills Irish whiskeys in a curated tasting session, sponsored by Floods Royal Flush, on Saturday, September 20 at 3:00 PM at Quigley’s Irish Pub.
- Both tastings require a separate ticket, which includes one general admission ticket to Naperville Irish Fest.
- Entertainment Lineup
- Friday, September 19
- 3:30 - Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville (bagpipers)
- 4:00 - McNulty Irish Dancers
- 5:15 - Celtic Roots
- 6:45 - The Larkin and Moran Brothers
- 8:15 – Brigid’s Cross
- Saturday, September 20
- 12:00 - Bailey Murray Academy of Irish Dance
- 12:55 - Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville
- 1:25 - McNulty School of Irish Dance
- 2:40 – Small Batch
- 3:55 - Bentley Academy of Irish Dance
- 5:10 – On the Lash
- 6:40 – Whiskey Mick
- 8:10 – Classical Blast
For more information about the Naperville Irish Fest, including the schedule of events and vendor details, please visit wsirish.org/IrishFest.