Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School

08/14/2026

As we wrap up the 2026 Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer we just wanted to extend our deep gratitude to all our volunteers, instructors, and students who made the week so special! Go raibh míle maith agaibh!

Deepest gratitude to our IFSS sponsors, Ardent Guitars, Story Hill Renovations LLC, Milwaukee Irish Fest Foundation, and the Irish Foreign Ministry for their support.

We hope to see many of you at Milwaukee Irish Fest this weekend and next year at the 2027 Milwaukee Irish Fest!

📸 : Kevin Mulvenna

08/08/2026

Our amazing volunteers have been busy getting the CelticMKE Center ready for the Summer School! The Ward Irish Music Archives kindly donates duplicate CDs and LPs that they already have in their collections so we can offer them for sale to students! Come pick up a few classic albums when the Failte Desk opens up on Monday at 4pm!

08/05/2026

🎻 Work during the day? Learn from traditional Irish masters at night!

You don't have to take a week off work to experience the magic of the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School! Join our vibrant local community for hands-on, beginner-friendly evening classes next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (August 10, 11, and 1 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM) in Wauwatosa:

🥁 Beginning Bodhrán with Amy Richter: Grab a drum and a tipper and learn to accompany traditional jigs and reels!

🧶 Aran Knitting with Ryan Daniel Koenig: Discover the cozy history of Irish wool and begin crafting your own beginner Moss Stitch Scarf!

🪈 Beginning Tin Whistle with Brett Lipshutz: Learn the basic scales and breath work to kick off your whistle journey!

💃 Evening Set Dancing with Ronan Eastwood: No partner or experience needed—just high-energy dancing and fantastic "craic"!

Are you an intermediate player looking to polish your skills? We also have evening masterclasses in Intermediate/Advanced Concertina with Brenda Castles and Arranging & Accompanying Tunes with Sarah Sheehan & Kevin Shortall!

📍 Intimate class sizes | Free parking in Wauwatosa

Browse through class descriptions at the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School!

08/03/2026

Our Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School starts next Monday! ☘🥳

There's still time to sign up for classes! Explore over 40 options, from beginner-friendly Irish music classes to art, language, dance, history, and more.

☘ Take a look here: https://irishfestsummerschool.com/Classes.htm

07/31/2026

Curious about the finer details of Irish traditional music?

Join acclaimed musician and educator Nicolas Brown for a series of classes and workshops exploring the artistry, technique, and tradition behind Irish music.
Whether you’re looking to refine your playing on tin whistle, wooden flute, or uilleann pipes, or dive into the fascinating world of the hop jig, Nicolas will help you develop the skills, musicality, and understanding that bring traditional tunes to life.

A respected performer, researcher, and teacher, Nicolas is known for his thoughtful approach to Irish music—helping students strengthen technique while deepening their appreciation of the tradition.

* Tuesday morning Hop Jig Workshop
* 3-Day Intermediate/Advanced Tin Whistle
* 3-Day Intermediate/Advanced Wooden Flute
* Friday Uilleann Pipes Workshop

Perfect for musicians looking to expand their repertoire, refine their playing, and explore the rich traditions behind Irish music.
👉 Registration is open.

07/29/2026

DEADLINE for knitters and Celtic Kids Camp! 🚨

Ryan Daniel Koenig has extended the cut off day to request knit kits for his classes (including Celtic Kids Camp) to end of day August 1st! Prices vary by class, so check out the link in comments to learn more.

Each kit contains the appropriate amount of wool for each project -- from Ireland’s only native breed of sheep, The Galway. Out of the approximately 5 million sheep in Ireland, there are only about 2,000 of them that are of this native breed. Due to the low amount of wool available, the mill only supplies undyed, báinín (white) wool. The kits also contain appropriate knitting needles.

And if you haven't signed up for a knitting class or the Celtic Kids Camp, register online or via mail in registration!

07/27/2026

Looking for a summer getaway?

If you’re in Chicago, Madison, Evanston, or anywhere within a day’s drive, make a week of it at the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School.

Spend August 10–14 learning directly from outstanding musicians, artists, and cultural instructors in small, hands-on classes. Then enjoy Milwaukee Irish Fest—the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture. Every Summer School registration includes one admission ticket to the festival, so your week of Irish music and culture continues all weekend long.

Whether you’re traveling with a friend or flying solo, you’ll find a welcoming community of learners who share your passion for Irish music and culture.

Classes include:

🎶 Arranging and Accompanying Tunes with Sarah Sheehan and Kevin Shortall
🎻 Irish Fiddle for Teens with Caoimhe Ní Mhaolagáin
🪉 Harp with Kim Robertson
✒️ Celtic Calligraphy with Linda Lubner
🧶 Evening Beginning Knitting with Dublin-based Ryan Daniel Koenig

Spend your week learning alongside people who share your passion for Irish music and culture. Spend your weekend celebrating at Milwaukee Irish Fest.

👉 Tag your travel buddy—or come make new friends here! Registration is open, but classes are filling.

Browse through class descriptions at the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School!

07/20/2026

Want to lock in flawless session speed and master real tonal variation? Learn bodhrán from Anna Colliton in person!

From August 11–13, Anna is leading two 3-day intensives at the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School designed to break you out of rhythmic ruts and get you session-ready before the festival weekend kicks off.

Class sizes are strictly limited to ensure everyone gets direct, hands-on feedback in the room.

Get $25 off through July 22 with discount code FLASH26!

👉 Choose your level (Intermediate M07 or Advanced M13) at the link in our bio!