Lawler Irish Fest – always the 3rd weekend in June!
June 14th and 15th, 2024!
MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT – *schedules subject to change without notice
Friday, June 14th – Main Tent opens at 6:00 pm.
Opening Ceremony at 6:30pm, introduction of 2024 Grand Marshals and Honored Guest.
Main Stage Entertainment with The Crowfoot Rakes & Not Quite Brothers. We’re giving you an encore of a traditional Irish band & one of the Midwest’s best classic rock cover bands.
The Crowfoot Rakes – 7:15pm. It’s bona fide Irish music for the Iowish people. The Crowfoot Rakes are a high-energy five-piece group with a strong focus on their Celtic roots. These five stout-hearted but impish gents will deliver fine music and mirth straight to your earholes and eyeballs. Based in Des Moines, IA, these rowdy folks have been tearing it up all across the state since they formed in late 2022, The Rakes have also made a splash in the festival scene, with several under their belt in the short time since their formation. Enjoy their classic folk tunes, as well as a handful of whiskey-fueled songs that capture the energy of a traditional Irish pub session. Featuring a wide breadth of instruments from fiddles and banjos to accordions and one of only a handful of midwestern uilleann pipers, The Crowfoot Rakes are a standout group the likes of which Iowa has never seen and may never see again. Past winners of Iowa Irish Fest Battle of the Bands.
Not Quite Brothers – 8:30pm. Classic rock/pop/country and blues from NE Iowa! Keep the party going with these guys! Central Iowa’s fastest growing cover band. Formed in 2018, the band quickly became known for their huge sound, eclectic setlist and ability to enhance any party. Fans of all ages agree… “it feels like I am watching the band they are covering in their heyday” and “It’s so cool to see a younger generation playing my favorite songs on stage instead of overweight boomers in cargo shorts.”
Sam Johnson (vocals) and Isaac Johnson (guitar) are twins and although Cooper Corcoran (guitar), Ben Schmelzer (drums) and Blake Marsh (bass) are of no relation to each other, these five fellas are as tight as brothers… but not quite.
Saturday, June 15th – GRAND PARADE – 1:00PM
Main Tent opens at immediately following parade. Over 10 hrs. hours of the most awesome entertainment under one roof!
The Guilty Kilts – 2:15pm (following Grand Parade). The Guilty Kilts first appeared on the Irish Fest stage at the inaugural Fest in 2013. They have been entertaining folks around the Tri-State area of IA, MN and WI with versions of Celtic, folk, rock, sing-a-longs and original music for over 10 years. Mingled in with the music are shenanigans, high jinks and general carrying on!
Ballyheigue – 515pm. Based out of Dubuque, IA this six-piece Irish band specializing in traditional instrumental and vocal Irish song is comprised of family members Jim, Alison, and Emily Ott, with Carl Droessler, Rob McCullough and Seth Enz. They have played at various locations around the tri-state area including Iowa Irish Fest & Dubuque’s Irish Hooley! They will have your foot stomping & hands clapping throughout their set! Always a festival favorite!
Best Legs in a Kilt Contest – TBA – Open to both men and women. Bring your friends with to whoop it up and crown you the winner! Only small talent required but major Craic is a must!
Blame Not the Bard – 645pm – Blame Not the Bard is on a mission: to bring alive the songs and stories of Ireland. Expertly blending their captivating storytelling and historical knowledge with fiery instrumentals and musical prowess, Blame Not the Bard’s high-energy show will get your hands clapping and feet tapping through a set of down-to-earth entertainment you won’t soon forget!
Cory Farley – 8:45pm – Decorah, Iowa native Cory Farley is a Country Music Singer/Songwriter now Nashville Tn. Cory plays on the famous Broadway strip in Nashville multiple nights a week along with touring the country! Opening for the likes of country stars Alan Jackson and others, Cory is known for his dynamic stage performances, where he goes above and beyond to create a memorable experience for the audience. His ability to balance energetic antics with his exceptional singing abilities showcases his dedication to providing a unique and unforgettable show.
Come, enjoy our beautiful venue, great music, great food and even better sense of community!
This is a community celebration based on our historic Irish roots. While proud of the past we are even more passionate about moving Lawler family culture forward. All proceeds are used for community improvement projects. Past items were an electronic scoreboard installed at Junko Park and coming soon, new basketball stations for both Highland and Croell Parks. Your presence at the fest supports not only the musicians, the Irish Fest Committe but your very town where you have chosen to live!
Please support your friends and neighbors by attending this unique area event!