The Tulsa Irish Fest is a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and heritage that has been delighting the community since 2018. This year’s event will be held March 7-9 at Dreamkeepers Park at 18th and Boulder.
Donald Burdick founded the festival, and it has quickly become a beloved annual tradition. It draws visitors from across the state to experience the rich tapestry of Irish music, food, dance, and more.
From its humble beginnings six years ago, the Irish Fest has blossomed into a must-attend event, showcasing Tulsa’s growing reputation as a hub for diverse cultural celebrations. As the city prepares to host the 2025 edition of the festival, the excitement is palpable, with organizers promising a bigger and more immersive experience for attendees.
Over the years, Burdick has continuously worked to expand and enhance the festival’s programming. He has brought in authentic Irish bands, both local and international, to perform.
The festival now features cultural elements like worship services, genealogy presentations, and a culture tent exploring Irish history and traditions. One of the unique draws of the Irish Fest is its focus on family-friendly activities, this includes things like the Little Leprechaun Kid Zone with crafts and Irish dancing demonstrations, as well as the addition of live animal exhibits featuring Irish breeds like Wolfhounds and Highland cattle.
The Tulsa Irish Fest has grown in popularity and reputation over its first five years. Burdick’s goal of creating an event that celebrates Irish culture in an authentic and engaging way for the whole community seems to have resonated with attendees.
The 2025 Tulsa Irish Fest will feature an exciting lineup of authentic Irish and Celtic music acts, including bands from Ireland and France. A variety of musical styles will be represented, ranging from traditional Irish folk to energetic Celtic rock.
In addition to main stage performances, attendees can enjoy impromptu jam sessions and collaborations between visiting musicians, adding to the festival’s lively atmosphere.
Martin Gillespie, a pipes, whistle, and accordion player for the Scottish Celtic rock group, Skerryvore, set the perfect tone at last year’s Tulsa Irish Fest. (Photo from Tulsa IrishFest Facebook)
Beyond the music, the festival will showcase a curated selection of food vendors offering Irish-inspired fusion cuisine, such as Irish tacos, pizzas, and ice creams. The vendor area will highlight makers, craftspeople, and importers selling Irish-themed and Celtic-inspired goods, from jewelry to woodworking.
For those interested in history and culture, the festival will feature a “culture tent” with speakers and presentations on Irish history, literature, genealogy, and more. A Catholic mass and a Protestant worship service will be held side-by-side on the festival grounds, welcoming all attendees.
Families will find plenty of activities to enjoy, with the Little Leprechaun Kid Zone offering interactive crafts and entertainment led by an expert from an Irish children’s camp. Irish dance performances by a local school will take place both in the kid zone and on the main stage. Attendees can also expect a variety of games, photo opportunities, and family-friendly programming throughout the event.
Sports enthusiasts will have a chance to witness sanctioned rugby matches, including a men’s game between Tulsa and Dallas and a women’s match against Wichita. A special “Breakfast with Rugby” event will allow attendees to watch the France vs. Ireland Six Nations match while enjoying Irish music and camaraderie.
Overall, the 2025 Tulsa Irish Fest promises to be the biggest and most immersive celebration of Irish culture yet, building on the success of previous years. Organizers aim to create an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages and backgrounds.
Tulsa Community College students and faculty can enjoy a special discounted rate by using the code “TCCIRISH25.” Tickets are available at https://www.tulsairishfest.org/p/tickets–deals
For more information about the Tulsa Irish Fest, visit https://www.tulsairishfest.org/