Iowa Irish Fest — Local services in Waterloo

I attend numerous outdoor summer events in Waterloo/Cedar Falls, and I enjoy them all in their own way, but Iowa Irish Fest is my favorite hands-down. I have attended every year since it started, and it has grown from humble beginnings into one of the premier events of its kind in the Midwest. The $25 admission price may be a little steep for those just attending for one day, but it is a bargain for a full weekend of entertainment including high-caliber bands like Gaelic Storm, Scythian, and Screaming Orphans. I was just the tiniest bit disappointed that they couldn't have the bands from Ireland or the Sunday brunch at the Elks Club this year, but I totally understand why. Hopefully they can return in future years. The committee did a great job in finding "replacement" bands, and we got to hear some new groups that had not played the festival before. There was still a great selection of Irish...

This was a great time. I make a point of going to most of the Irish festivals in any neighborhood I live in, and this was one of the better ones. The act they had planned were great. They had people giving lectures on their instruments and their style of music's off to the side, which I found to be brilliant. The way they set up for the final show with people putting out their chairs in the morning to hold spots for the evening seemed a little bit unwelcoming to newcomer's to me, but if that's the system, who am I to judge. Overall, we enjoyed everything we saw. The drinks were reasonably priced, which is a rarity at this kind of event, and downtown Waterloo is beautiful and a fun place to visit. I will be...

This is our 2nd year attending for the full weekend. VERY family friendly. They did a wonderful job finding great American/Irish artists since none of the groups from Ireland could attend! We thoroughly enjoyed the workshops with Colm Keegan, Scythian & Brother Crowe; as well their performances. The Gothard Sisters we're UNBELIEVEABLE! The sounds from people in the Black building resonated off the ceiling & made it hard to hear the workshop speaker in the mezzanine. It was also VERY hot up there, too. I suggest rethinking the "bucks" machines since all 6 peoe trying to get Irish $ while we were waiting did not get the amount requested. Definitely will return...