Irish Fall Festival
The largest Irish festival on the East Coast. Four days of live music, traditional dance, authentic food, and Celtic culture in North Wildwood.
Festival at a Glance
Sep 25-28
2025 Dates
FREE
Admission
300,000+
Annual Visitors
Since 1982
40+ Years Running
Organized by the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Jersey Shore
About the Festival
The Irish Fall Festival began in 1982 when a small group of Irish-American shore residents decided to celebrate their heritage with a weekend street party. What started as a modest gathering has grown into the largest Irish festival on the East Coast, drawing over 300,000 visitors annually to North Wildwood.
The festival is organized by the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, a fraternal organization dedicated to preserving Irish heritage in South Jersey. Members volunteer year-round to plan the event, and proceeds support local charities and scholarships for students of Irish descent.
Unlike many festivals, the Irish Fall Festival remains free to attend. The organization believes Irish culture should be accessible to everyone, funded through vendor fees, sponsorships, and merchandise sales rather than admission charges.
What to Expect
Live Irish Music
Multiple stages featuring Irish bands from across the US and Ireland. Traditional Celtic music, contemporary Irish rock, and everything in between.
Irish Dance
Championship Irish step dancers perform throughout the weekend. Watch solo hard shoe and soft shoe dances, plus traditional ceili group dances.
Authentic Food
From corned beef and cabbage to fish and chips, the food vendors serve authentic Irish cuisine alongside American favorites.
Family Entertainment
Kids zone with games, face painting, and activities. The festival is family-friendly with entertainment for all ages.
2025 Schedule
Thursday
September 25
- • Festival opening ceremony
- • Live music on main stage
- • Early bird food vendors
- • Smaller crowds - locals' night
Friday
September 26
- • Full vendor lineup opens
- • Afternoon dance performances
- • Main stage headliners 6pm-11pm
- • Irish pub atmosphere
Saturday
September 27
- • Parade at 1pm (2nd & New Jersey Ave)
- • Peak attendance day
- • Continuous live music
- • Mass at St. Ann's Church 4pm
Sunday
September 28
- • Irish breakfast all day
- • Family-friendly daytime focus
- • Final performances
- • Less crowded than Saturday
Music & Entertainment Stages
Live entertainment runs throughout the festival on multiple stages. Here's what you'll find at each location.
Main Stage
Headline acts performing on Olde New Jersey Avenue
Typical performers: The Elders • The Prodigals • Shilelagh Law • The Narrowbacks • The Killdares
Traditional Stage
Classic Irish and Celtic folk music
Typical performers: Local ceili bands • Irish session musicians • Solo fiddlers & flutists • Bagpipe performers
Dance Stage
Irish step dancing and ceili performances
Typical performers: Championship step dancers • Local dance schools • Traditional ceili groups • Interactive dance lessons
Traditional Irish Food
Irish Classics
- • Corned beef & cabbage
- • Shepherd's pie
- • Irish stew
- • Fish & chips
- • Bangers & mash
Breakfast & Bakery
- • Full Irish breakfast
- • Irish soda bread
- • Scones & pastries
- • Irish coffee
- • Tea service
Pub Favorites
- • Guinness & Irish beers
- • Irish whiskey
- • Bailey's drinks
- • Cider
- • Non-alcoholic options
Pro tip: The Irish breakfast vendors are worth seeking out on Sunday morning - black pudding, rashers, sausages, eggs, beans, and soda bread done right.
Getting There
From Philadelphia
Take Atlantic City Expressway to Garden State Parkway South. Exit 6 to Wildwood. About 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
From NYC/North Jersey
Garden State Parkway all the way south to Exit 6. About 2.5-3 hours. Leave early Saturday to beat parade traffic.
Parking
Free street parking throughout North Wildwood (after Labor Day). Free trolleys from remote lots on Saturday.
Where to Stay
North Wildwood Hotels
Walking Distance
Hotels along Ocean Avenue are steps from the festival. Book early - they sell out months in advance for this weekend.
Wildwood Motels
Short Drive/Trolley
Classic Wildwood motels on the main strip offer budget-friendly options with pools. Many are doo-wop architectural gems.
Wildwood Crest
Quieter Alternative
Family-friendly Wildwood Crest has beachfront condos and quieter hotels. 10-minute drive to the festival.
Cape May
15-Minute Drive
Victorian B&Bs and boutique hotels offer a different vibe. Drive or take Uber to the festival.
Booking tip: This is the last big weekend of the season for the Wildwoods. Many properties offer shoulder-season rates despite the festival crowds. Book by August for the best selection.
Book a Vacation Rental
Beach houses & condos in the Wildwoods
Stay steps from the festival in a vacation rental. Late September offers shoulder-season rates on beach houses and condos. Free beaches all weekend!
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Tips for Attending
Go on Thursday or Sunday
Saturday is the busiest day by far. Thursday evening is locals' night with smaller crowds, and Sunday is perfect for families with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Arrive Before the Parade
Saturday's parade at 1pm draws huge crowds. Arrive by 11am to find parking and stake out a viewing spot along New Jersey Avenue.
Bring Cash
While many vendors now accept cards, cash is still king at street festivals. ATMs are available but have long lines and fees.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on streets and sidewalks for hours. Leave the sandals at home and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Book Accommodation Early
The Wildwoods fill up fast for this weekend. Book hotels or rentals by August for the best selection. Nearby Cape May has more availability.
Use Free Trolley Service
On busy days, free trolleys run from remote parking lots. Look for signs directing you to trolley pickup points.
While You're Here
Make a weekend of it and explore the southern Jersey Shore.
Wildwood Boardwalk
10-min walkClassic Jersey Shore boardwalk with rides, games, and food
Morey's Piers
15-min walkAmusement parks and water parks (check fall hours)
Cape May
15-min driveVictorian architecture, fine dining, lighthouse
Sunset Beach
20-min driveFamous sunset flag ceremony and Cape May diamonds
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Irish Fall Festival 2025?
The Irish Fall Festival 2025 runs from Thursday, September 25 through Sunday, September 28. Thursday evening is a preview night, with full festivities Friday through Sunday.
Is the Irish Fall Festival free to attend?
Yes, admission to the Irish Fall Festival is completely free. Food, drinks, and merchandise are available for purchase from vendors throughout the festival grounds.
Where is the Irish Fall Festival held?
The festival takes place on Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood, spanning several blocks. The main stage is near the intersection with 2nd Avenue, with additional stages and vendors throughout.
Is parking free at the Irish Fall Festival?
Street parking in North Wildwood is free after Labor Day. The festival also provides free trolley service from remote parking lots on busy days. Arrive early on Saturday for the best spots.
Can I bring my dog to the Irish Fall Festival?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at the Irish Fall Festival. The outdoor street festival format is dog-friendly, though it can get crowded during peak hours on Saturday afternoon.
What food is available at the Irish Fall Festival?
Traditional Irish fare includes corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, Irish soda bread, fish and chips, and Irish breakfast. You'll also find American classics, Italian options, and plenty of desserts.
Other Major Shore Events
Explore the Wildwoods
The Irish Fall Festival is a perfect excuse to explore the Wildwoods before the summer crowds return.