Indy’s Irish Fest returns to Military Park Sept. 12-15 for its 18th-annual celebration of the state’s Celtic heritage. This year’s festival kicks-off with an additional day featuring Celtic rock bands on Thursday night. Dubbed, “Shamrocking Thursday”, it features Celtic rock bands Mother Grove, The Kreellers and The Fighting Jamesons.

New to the festival and sure to be a highlight are Tallymoore and Hounds of Finn, both young and upcoming bands. Some favorite performers who soared in fan appreciation at their first festival appearances include: The Fighting Jamesons The Kreellers, and Ennis. Returning this year is a recurring but recently missing band, The Fenians, coming to us from Orange County California, and the Elders, a high energy Kansas City group.

Sports are highlighted throughout the weekend. On Saturday, see the national sport of Ireland on display with hands-on demos and instruction. On Sunday, attendees can participate in the Kilted Mile Run.

In addition to music and sports, attendees will enjoy great food, cultural demonstrations and exhibits, outstanding shopping and plenty of activities for the whole family. The festival also continues to be affordable with $5 admission all night Thursday, early bird $5 admissions on Friday and advance sale tickets for Friday thru Sunday only $10 at Marsh Supermarkets and Claddagh Irish Pubs.

Other Festival Highlights

Young and older visitors alike will enjoy plenty of family friendly activities during Fest weekend. Throughout the weekend, the whole family can enjoy, sheep-herding exhibitions or stop by the Celtic Canine tents to see dogs representing Irish breeds such as Irish Glen of Imaal Terriers, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Red and White Setters and Kerry Blue Terriers.

Shoppers find plenty of temptations at an Irish market spotlighting the wares of more than 30 vendors selling Celtic themed and merchandise imported from Ireland.

In the mood for a little education? See cultural exhibits which include information Irish American Presidents, the history of Ireland, the Great Famine, origins of popular Irish songs, family genealogy, notable Irish women and local Irish organizations. Visit with representatives from local Irish organizations including

The Irish Arts of Indianapolis (music and dance instruction) , Indiana Celtic Community (Gaelic language instruction), Indy Hurling Club, Indianapolis Firefighter’s Emerald Society, Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Scottish Society.

Hungry visitors can choose from tempting treats such as Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, a variety of sandwiches, Irish soda bread and bread pudding, provided by Claddagh Irish Pubs, Murphy’s Steakhouse, Frank and Paddy’s Pub, Sahm’s, The Irish Cottage and others.

On Sunday, a 10:30 a.m. Celtic Mass will be held at the Claddagh Irish Pub Stage. Gates open at 10 a.m. Visitors attending Mass or arriving prior to 11:30 a.m. receive free admission if they bring at least three canned goods or non-perishable food items per person to donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank.

Youngsters can work off plenty of energy in the Kids Area, featuring a craft tent, a coloring contest, Irish dance lessons and more. Wristbands, available for $5, admit kids to a special area complete with a putt-and-go, an Olympic run, a bean-bag toss and other fun activities. On Sunday, kids compete for the reddest hair, greenest eyes and most freckles. The Kids Area is open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.