• March 6–17, 2026 • Pike Place Market, Seattle
Seattle’s Most Iconic Irish Celebration
Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub is proud to present the 43rd Annual St Patrick’s Irish Festival, running from March 6 to March 17, 2026. Hosted in the historic Butterworth Building in the heart of Pike Place Market, the festival brings together live Irish music, authentic cuisine, rugby watch parties, and community celebrations honoring Ireland’s rich cultural traditions.
Tickets for all events go on sale on February 6, 2026. Two-day passes are available for $20 and include a free festival t-shirt (while supplies last).
Live Irish Music
From Belfast folk to Celtic rock, enjoy daily live performances from celebrated Irish and Celtic-inspired artists across the festival, led by Mairtin Higgins and friends.
Tradition & Celebration
Honouring Irish heritage through music, food, rugby, and community. From the Kick-Off Celebration to the St Patrick’s Day Parade, every detail is rooted in tradition.
Food, Pints & Community
Classic Irish fare, Kells-brewed beers, and a pub atmosphere that brings everyone together. This is where Seattle gathers to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
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Festival Highlights
March 8: Kick-Off Celebration
The official launch of the festival honours the legacy of Kells founder Joe McAleese on what would have been his 93rd birthday, with a day dedicated to music, community, and Irish heritage.
March 6–17: Live Irish Music Daily
Enjoy an exceptional lineup of Irish and Celtic-inspired performances throughout the festival, headlined by Mairtin Higgins, a Belfast-born vocalist known for his powerful stage presence and international touring history alongside iconic acts including The Wolfe Tones and Damien Dempsey.
Special Guest Performers
Mairtin is joined by banjo virtuoso Darrin Cahill of County Offaly, whose versatile style blends traditional Irish music with rock and pop influences. Together, they anchor a dynamic lineup featuring Smokin' Shamrocks, Vertigo Zoo, The Groove Surfers, Belfast Bandits , Vince Bigos and Zach Tupper.
Together, the festival delivers twelve days of traditional Irish music, contemporary Celtic sounds, and high-energy performances that make Kells’ St Patrick’s celebrations one of Seattle’s most anticipated cultural events.
Saturday , March 14
Kells opens at 10:00 AM
Live Music Schedule:
- Smokin Shamrocks – Multiple Sets
- Mairtin Higgins & Darrin Cahill – Multiple Sets
- Vince Bigos – 2:00 PM
- Zach Tupper – 3:30 PM
- Smokin' Shamrocks – 7:00PM
- Vertigo Zoo (U2 Tribute) – 9:00 PM
(2nd Floor Banquet Room)
St Patrick’s Day Parade
One of the biggest days of the festival, packed with live performances from noon through late evening.
Sunday , March 15
Kells opens at 10:00 AM
- Smokin' Shamrocks (Multiple Sets)
- Vince Bigos – 1:00 PM
- Mairtin Higgins & Darrin Cahill – from 3:00 PM
Post-Dash Celebration: Join us after the St. Patrick's Day Dash! We are the perfect spot to celebrate your finish.
Monday , March 16
Kells opens at 10:00 AM
- Smokin’ Shamrocks – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, March 17 [ST PATRICK'S DAY]
All Day St Patricks Celebrations
Kells opens at 9:00 AM
Live Music Schedule:
- Vince Bigos – 2:00 PM
- Zach Tupper – 4:00 PM
- Belfast Bandits – 6:30 PM
- Vertigo Zoo (U2 Tribute) – 7:00 PM (Banquet Room, 2nd Floor)
- Smokin' Shamrocks
- Mairtin Higgins & Darrin Cahill – Multiple Sets
Special Performance: SPD & SFD Pipes and Drums
The grand finale. A full day and night of music, celebration, and tradition at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub.
“Kells has always been about bringing people together to celebrate life and Irish culture. Each year, we strive to make the festival bigger and better. From the music to the food, and the unforgettable atmosphere of Kells, it’s truly an experience like no other.”
Patrick Pearse McAleese, owner of Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub.