Promoting and teaching Irish traditional music in the greater Milwaukee area!
In keeping with our mission to promote Irish music and culture, Milwaukee Irish Fest is proud to sponsor The Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music. Opened in the fall of 2002 at the beautiful Milwaukee Irish Fest center, a dedicated faculty of musicians has come together to offer instruction in instrumental Irish traditional dance music to students of all ages. Private lessons, group classes, and workshops are offered for Irish music students of varying ability levels.
05/08/2026
Irish music gets passed on person to person—and we’re incredibly grateful to the instructors who make that happen every week. ☘️
For Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the amazing instructors of the Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music. Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and love of Irish music with the next generation of musicians.
🎶 Leave a note of appreciation for our instructors in the comments!
Great tunes, great people, and a room full of music. ☘️
Our Spring Recital and Family Session brought together students, instructors, and the community for an afternoon of sharing and playing.
This is how Irish music is learned—together.
👉 Join us this summer—lessons run June 1 through the week of August 3. All levels welcome!
☘️ Then keep going at the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School, August 10–14 ()
05/01/2026
Live Irish music + a chance to join in. ☘️
This Sunday (May 3), hear our students in a relaxed recital setting—then stay for a guided session where you can jump in and play along.
Our instructors will lead tunes at an easy, welcoming pace, making this a great introduction to Irish sessions for all levels.
Bring your instrument or just come listen.
🕐 1:00–2:30pm
📍 Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music at the CelticMKE Center
📸 : Kevin Mulvenna
RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HkiMAeKWR/
04/09/2026
Check out this month's recommended Irish music recording: The Fog is Lifting by Bríd Harper (fiddle), Libby McCrohan (bouzouki), and Sylvain Barou (flute/pipes)! Link in the comments.
03/06/2026
We’re all set up for Irish Family Day at this Sunday, March 8! We’re offering kids mini bodhrán lesson taught by Brendan Sanchez and an Irish instrument petting zoo in the Ward Irish Music Archives through the event from 11am to 2:00pm. Our family Irish session runs from 12:30 to 2pm in the downstairs cafe.
We’ll also have tin whistles, tune books, and instrument case tags available for purchase.
Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the whole family!
Fun times at the January céilí! Many thanks to Blackthorn Folly and Gary Alexander, as well as all the dancers! Next céilí is Feb. 7 (a week earlier than normal so mark your calendars!).
12/12/2025
Due to the predicted dangerous temperatures, we're canceling the céilí for tomorrow, December 13th! 😔 Stay safe and warm this weekend!
Mark your calendars for our first dance of 2026 -- January 10 with music from Blackthorn Folly and calling by Gary Alexander.
11/08/2025
Come enjoy some fun social dancing - perfect for beginners and pros alike - tonight at our November Céilí! Live Irish music provided by Cream City Céilí with calling and instruction from Kim Griffin. Doors open at 6:30pm and dancing/music starts at 7pm.
📸 : Kenzie Trezise
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BKoosVVck/
10/21/2025
🥇 Big congratulations to Shannon! Earlier this month, one of our bodhrán students took home 1st place in the Miscellaneous category at the Windy City Feis in Chicago! 👏
We’re so proud of your dedication and progress—way to represent the Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music! 💚
A special shoutout to instructor Brendan Sanchez for his fantastic teaching and mentorship.
🎉 Drop a comment below to help us celebrate Shannon’s win!
09/26/2025
Looking for tunes around Milwaukee over the next week? 🎻
Here are some Irish sessions happening in the area:
Friday, September 26: County Clare Irish Pub, 9 to 11pm
Tuesday, September 30: House of Guinness, 6 to 9pm
Wednesday, October 1: Draft & Vessel Tosa, 7 to 9pm
Thursday, October 2: Paddy's Pub, 7 to 9pm
Be sure to reach out to the establishments for details or questions!
| Monday | 5pm - 9pm |
| Wednesday | 5pm - 9pm |