Experience the Best of Irish Culture at Pittsburgh’s 34th Annual Irish Festival: Food, Music, and Heritage Await!

Bennett Ruemler proudly waved a tiny Irish flag, celebrating a fantastic win at the Pittsburgh Irish Festival. This event kicked off its 34th year at the historic Carrie Blast Furnace in Swissvale.

For Bennett and his mom, Natalie, this was their first festival experience. “We’ve never been before,” Natalie shared. “My sister has been a lot, and we wanted to see what it was about. The food is great, and it’s a really nice, family-friendly atmosphere.”

The festival celebrates Irish heritage and offers many activities for kids, bringing families together in the community.

Festival-goers can indulge in a variety of food and drink options. Love, Katie Distilling, a local distillery, offers vodka and gin. Owner Katie Sirianni expressed her excitement about being part of the event. “This is our first Irish Festival, and we’re really happy to be here,” she said.

Delicious foods abound, including pierogies and stew-tine poutine, which is beef stew over fries with cheese. Kids like Isla Carlson and Rosie Smith enjoyed bubble battles with toys from a vendor named Happy Bubble. “We came to spend time with friends and celebrate Irish culture,” Rosie’s mother, Jamie, said.

### A Brief History of the Festival

The festival began in 1991 at Station Square, moving locations over the years, including a stop at Sandcastle before landing at the Carrie Blast Furnace. The festival was paused in 2020 due to COVID-19. Executive Director Mairin Petrone has been leading the festival for the past nine years, emphasizing the event’s strong connection to Pittsburgh’s Irish roots.

Petrone noted, “Many Irish workers came to places like the Carrie Furnace. That’s part of our rich history here.” She sees the festival as a way to honor that heritage. Over the years, the festival has grown, learning how to best use the space it occupies now.

The festival expects 20,000 to 25,000 visitors over the weekend. Assistance is readily available from volunteers wearing white shirts.

### Volunteer Voices

About 300 volunteers help make the festival a success. Connie Stewart and her boyfriend John Franko have been volunteering for five years. “We were regular guests before we decided to help,” Connie said. “The atmosphere is electric. It’s fun, even if you’re not Irish.” They’ve enjoyed various roles, from ticketing to bartending, feeling like part of a big family.

### Attractions and Entertainment

The festival features three stages of live music, showcasing bands like Gaelic Storm and Eileen Ivers. Saturday will include Celtic meditation and yoga, and special appearances by members of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will raise awareness about their game in Dublin against the Minnesota Vikings.

On Sunday, the festival will host an Irish Mass at 10 a.m., adding to its rich cultural offerings.

As communities come together to celebrate their heritage, events like the Pittsburgh Irish Festival remind us of the joy found in culture, community, and connection.



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