Downtown Naperville will once again host the sixth annual Naperville Irish Fest, a two‑day celebration of Irish heritage that runs September 18‑19, 2026 in Central Park (104 E. Benton Street). The event, organized by West Suburban Irish (WSI), draws thousands of visitors each year for live music, dance, food and family‑oriented activities.
Local sponsors and community support
The festival is presented by Woody Buick GMC of Naperville as the Emerald Isle Sponsor, with Spennare Americas serving as the Shamrock Sponsor. Additional backing comes from the Naperville Special Events & Community Arts (SECA) Commission, whose investment helps bring cultural programming to the city.
Music, dance and cultural exhibits
Regional Celtic bands will perform on the main stage throughout the weekend. Friday’s lineup includes McNulty Irish Dancers, Mulligan Stew, On the Lash and Classical Blast. Saturday features the Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville bagpipers, Bailey Murray Academy of Irish Dancing, McNulty School of Irish Dance, Joyce Boys, Bentley Academy of Irish Dance, Celtic Roots, The Chancers and Reilly.
Award‑winning Irish dance schools will showcase the artistry and athleticism of traditional Irish dance, while the Irish American Heritage Center presents cultural exhibits. The Irish Culture Tent offers genealogy, literature, history and tradition displays for those who want to explore their roots.
Family‑friendly programming
Children can enjoy face painting, crafts, Home Depot wood projects, interactive storytelling, playground activities, photo opportunities with St. Patrick and leprechauns, and a Kids’ Parade. A pre‑fest performance by Character Fleadh at Quigley’s Irish Pub on Thursday, September 17, marks the halfway point to St. Patrick’s Day.
Food, drink and marketplace
Festivalgoers can sample traditional Irish fare alongside local favorites, browse the Irish Village marketplace, and attend separate Guinness and Irish whiskey tastings hosted by West Suburban Irish at Quigley’s Irish Pub.
Volunteer‑driven charitable giving
Continuing a tradition of service, WSI will donate $25 for every volunteer who works the festival. Volunteers choose one of six nonprofit organizations—ALIVE Center, Irish Community Services, Loaves & Fishes Community Services, Naperville Area Humane Society, St. Patrick’s Residence, and The Institute of Traditional Irish Music—to receive the donation in their name.
Tickets and logistics
Advance tickets are $10 each or two for $15 through September 11. Starting September 12, tickets cost $15 each or two for $25. All tickets, the full entertainment schedule and volunteer opportunities are available at wsirish.org/irishfest.
Community impact
“Naperville Irish Fest is a wonderful example of how culture can bring a community together,” said Linda Dimitropoulos, Co‑Chair of the festival. “Neighbors become friends, volunteers support causes they care about and families create traditions of their own.”
Colleen Doyle, owner of CoDo Marketing and Marketing Chair for West Suburban Irish, added, “The festival celebrates the very best of Irish culture while welcoming everyone into the experience. It reflects the spirit of community that defines West Suburban Irish.”
For more than three decades, West Suburban Irish has promoted Irish heritage through cultural programming, charitable giving and community service throughout Chicago’s western suburbs, guided by its motto of Friendship, Fun, Service.
Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.
