Burlington Irish Heritage Festival

The Burlington Irish Heritage Festival is a dynamic cultural organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting Irish and Irish-American heritage throughout Burlington, Vermont and the surrounding region. Established in 1995, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializes in creating authentic cultural programming that showcases traditional Irish music, dance, storytelling, and artistic traditions. The Festival's core offering centers on an annual week of events aligned with St. Patrick's Day in March, featuring the Festival Ceili as its signature event alongside performances, exhibitions, and educational programs. The organization collaborates extensively with local musicians, dancers, writers, historians, and visual artists to deliver high-quality cultural experiences that resonate with both Irish-American communities and broader audiences interested in Celtic heritage. Beyond its flagship March programming, the Burlington Irish Heritage Festival actively co-sponsors and promotes related cultural events throughout the year, working in partnership with local venues, libraries, schools of Irish dance, and community organizations. The Festival maintains strong relationships with corporate sponsors, grantmaking organizations, and individual donors who support its mission to preserve and celebrate Irish cultural traditions in the Burlington area. With a dedicated volunteer base and experienced committee leadership, the organization continues to expand its offerings and reach, introducing innovative programming elements while maintaining the authentic traditions that define Irish cultural expression.