Celebrate all things Irish at Fáilte Montana Irish Festival!
Fáilte (pronounced faw-il-tih) means “Welcome!” and Missoula’s vibrant Irish community extends a hearty “Céad Míle Fáilte!”(one-hundred thousand welcomes) to the community to attend this lively day filled with toe-tapping music, energetic dance performances, and a taste of Irish culture. The party kicks off at 3pm Friday, Sept. 13, at Caras Park in Missoula, and goes until 10pm.
First of all, you don’t have to be Irish to participate in this cultural celebration. The Fáilte Montana Irish Festival is a community gathering for everybody, young and old.
Foot-stomping Music:
You will want to wear your comfiest dancing shoes because foot-stomping music is definitely on tap at Fáilte Montana. Energetic jigs and reels from traditional Irish bands will have you dancing in the streets!
The Celtic Dragon Pipe Band, Montana’s premier pipes and drums band, performs traditional pipe band music, drawing on age-old arrangements from around the world, plus marches, strathspeys, slow aires, jigs, hornpipes, and reels.
Juniper Creek returns to the Fáilte Montana Irish Festival. Be swept away by the incredible music and infectious energy of this three-part harmonic girl band based in Butte. Known for their authentic Irish tunes, stunning harmonies, and captivating performances, their unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds has made them a fan festival favorite.
The Byrne Brothers, this year’s high-kickin’ headliners, bring the Craic (that means fun!) to Fáilte Montana with energetic jigs and reels. From Donegal, Ireland, this multi award-winning family band is taking the Irish American scene by storm!
All County champion musicians and Ulster champion Irish dancers, The Byrne Brothers Band features Luca on accordion, Finn on banjo, mandolin, and guitar, Dempsey on bodhran and whistle, and their father, Tommy, on uilleann pipes, fiddle, guitar and bagpipes.
The Byrne Brothers moved to America in 2018 to perform at Walt Disney World where they became Youngest ever cast members in the history of Disney. Since then, they have toured extensively across 47 U.S. States.
Check out The Byrne Brothers’ YouTube video featuring Colin Farrell on Fiddle and Shane French on Piano.
Dazzling Dance:
Be mesmerized by the athletic grace of Irish step dancers in their colorful costumes. The talented Carroll Henderson Irish Dancers and the Missoula Irish Dancers display their captivating traditional Irish step dancing. Characterized by its lightning speed and precision footwork, each step is perfectly synchronized with the music, creating a symphony of sound and movement.
A Cultural Extravaganza:
Immerse yourself in the rich Irish heritage. Chat with the vibrant native Irish community and learn about their history, and traditions, and pick up some Irish language phrases.
Local vendors will be on hand with an array of delectable delights, savory treats, thirst-quenchers and unique handcrafted items.
Sliothar Skills & Drink Thrills:
The hurlers are back! These athletic marvels will showcase the exciting sport of hurling. Be amazed by their skill as they whip the sliotar (that’s the hurling ball!) around like it’s on a string, all while wielding their hurleys. They might even teach you a trick or two while serving your favorite local beer!
So, whether you’re Irish or just Irish for the day, theFáilte Montana Irish Festival promises a fun-filled experience for the whole family. Come raise a glass, jig a step, and experience the warmth of Irish hospitality!
Learn more at https://www.montana.irish/.
RAFFLE 2024
Do you have the luck of the Irish?
The Fáilte Montana Irish Festival will have an opportunity for people to win a trip to Ireland! Tickets can be purchased on the festival grounds and the drawing will occur on March 30, 2025. You need not be present to win. Net proceeds of the Raffle go to the Friends of Irish Studies in the West to distribute for charity or educational purposes.