Celebrate St. Patrick’s in Seattle: Kells Irish Festival Returns for its 42nd Year!
March 6 - March 17
Coming in March, the Emerald City’s iconic Irish festival features live music, traditional fare, and special events, including rugby watch parties, a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and more.
Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, located in the heart of Pike Place Market’s historic Butterworth Building, is thrilled to announce the 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Irish Festival, running from March 6 to March 17, 2025. This beloved celebration of Irish culture will feature live music, authentic cuisine and lively festivities to honor the rich traditions of Ireland.
A high-energy Irish entertainment lineup promises something for everyone! Passes are on sale now. Two-day passes are available for $20 and include a free festival t-shirt (while supplies last).
Festival Highlights
- March 8, Kick-Off Celebration:the festival official launch commemorates what would have been Kells’ founder Joe McAleese’s 92nd birthday, with a day dedicated to celebrating his legacy.
- March 6-17, Live Irish Music:find an exceptional lineup of performances by celebrated Irish and Celtic-inspired artists. Mairtin Higgins, a Belfast native and seasoned performer, is renowned for his rich vocals and compelling stage presence, having performed globally alongside iconic acts such as The Wolfe Tones and Damien Dempsey. The Buckmad Bhoys, a dynamic band from County Antrim, push creative boundaries with their innovative fusion of traditional Irish music and rock, jazz, blues, and punk. Vertigo Zoo, a premier U2 tribute band, captures the essence of the legendary rock group with high-energy performances featuring timeless hits like “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.” Originally from Botswana, acoustic solo artist David Garbers crafts intricate, layered performances using live looping, blending soulful storytelling with global influences. Since 2014, The Belfast Bandits have been a fixture in Seattle’s pub scene, delivering a vibrant mix of Celtic rock and traditional Irish music for an unforgettable listening experience. Zach Tupper plays a wealth of Irish contemporary and traditional music, drawing upon the music of The Pogues, Luke Kelly, and others. The lineup is as follows:
o Thursday, March 6 – David Garbers (9 PM)
o Friday, March 7 – Mairtin Higgins (9 PM)
o Saturday, March 8 – Mairtin Higgins & Zac Tupper (7 PM)
o Sunday, March 9 – Mairtin Higgins (9 PM)
o Tuesday, March 11 – Mairtin Higgins (9 PM)
o Wednesday, March 12 – Mairtin Higgins (9 PM)
o Thursday, March 13 – Buckmad Bhoys & Mairtin Higgins (7 PM) and the Mayor of Galway (6 PM to 9 PM)
o Friday, March 14 – Buckmad Bhoys & Mairtin Higgins (7 PM)
o Saturday, March 15 – Buckmad Bhoys, Mairtin Higgins, David Garbers, Zach Tupper, Josh Lopes (Noon), Stout Pounders (3 PM), Vertigo Zoo (7 PM)
o Sunday, March 16 – Buckmad Bhoys & Mairtin Higgins (2 PM)
o Monday, March 17 –Buckmad Bhoys, Mairtin Higgins, David Garbers, Josh Lopes (12 PM), The Belfast Bandits (3 PM), Vertigo Zoo and SPD & SFD Pipes and Drums (7 PM)
- Traditional Irish Fare:Festival attendees can savor a selection of classic Irish dishes, including Corned Beef, Irish Stew, Ballycastle Sausage Rolls, and Ethna’s freshly baked Irish Soda Bread. These culinary offerings will be complemented by signature Kells brews, such as Kells Lager, Irish Red Ale, and Stout.
- Themed Events:Key highlights include rugby watch parties, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade scheduled for March 15, and a reception for the Mayor of Galway on March 13.
“Kells has always been about bringing people together to celebrate life and Irish culture,” said Patrick Pearse McAleese, owner of Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub. “This year’s festival will be no exception—it’s a chance to honor our heritage, share good food and drink, and enjoy incredible entertainment with the community.”
“Each year, we strive to make the festival bigger and better,” McAleese added. “From the music to the food, and the unforgettable atmosphere of Kells, it’s truly an experience like no other.”
Looking ahead, for the first time ever, the city of Seattle — led by the Seattle Sounders — will be a host of the FIFA Club World Cup in June of 2025. Seattle will stage six matches to be played at Lumen Field, marking a historic moment for the city. The countdown is underway and Kells is preparing a series of special offerings to celebrate the FIFA World Cup’s arrival in Seattle, in both 2025 and 2026.
