Boutique Irish Days Festival Returns Sept. 5–7 with
Music, Dance, Food and Plenty of Irish Fun
LONG GROVE, IL (July 29, 2026) — Every Labor Day weekend, Historic Downtown Long Grove celebrates St. Patrick's Day six months late – and that's exactly how locals like it! From Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association invites visitors to celebrate Irish Days, a three-day festival that transforms the village into a festive gathering filled with Irish music, dance, food, drink, and traditions.
Set among Long Grove's colorful historic buildings, brick walkways, and locally owned shops, Irish Days offers a relaxed alternative to larger festivals, inviting families and friends to slow down, explore the village, and enjoy a weekend where Irish hospitality takes center stage.
Throughout the weekend, the sounds of bagpipes, lively folk music, and traditional Irish dance performances will echo through Fountain Square as musicians, dancers, and entertainers celebrate Ireland's rich culture. Guests can enjoy Irish-inspired food from Rep's Place, raise a pint at the Lions Club's popular "Fibber MaGee" Pub, and browse Long Grove's boutiques, restaurants, tasting rooms, and specialty shops that make the village one of Chicagoland's favorite day-trip destinations.
A Weekend Full of Irish Traditions
Irish Days blends authentic Irish culture with plenty of lighthearted fun for every age. Festival highlights include:
Live Irish music throughout the weekend, including evening headliners Without U2 on Saturday and The Dirty Wellies on Sunday
Traditional Irish dance performances from local dance schools
The renowned Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band
Irish-inspired food and drink
The always-popular Best Men's Legs in a Kilt Contest
The beloved Irish Dog Contest, where four-legged contestants compete for Irish Dog King, Queen, Prince, and Princess honors
A Kids Craft Tent with activities for younger visitors
Extended festival hours Saturday and Sunday
The Lions Club's festive Irish pub, Fibber MaGee 
Visitors are also encouraged to make a day of exploring downtown. Spend $150 or more (pre-tax) at Historic Downtown Long Grove shops and/or restaurants during Irish Days and receive a free commemorative Irish Days logo pint glass.
While Irish Days celebrates Irish heritage, it's also a celebration of everything visitors love about Long Grove itself. Named Illinois' first historic district, the village has become known for its picturesque setting, independently owned shops, acclaimed restaurants, and year-round calendar of boutique festivals that celebrate community, craftsmanship, and small-town charm. Its timeless streets have even attracted Hollywood productions in recent years, further cementing Long Grove's reputation as one of the Midwest's most picturesque destinations.
Whether visitors come for the lively entertainment, family-friendly traditions, a perfectly poured pint, or simply an afternoon strolling through one of Chicagoland's most charming downtowns, Irish Days offers a memorable way to close out the summer.
For entertainment schedules and additional festival information, visit www.longgrove.org/festivals/irish-days.
Irish Days 2026
Dates: Saturday, September 5 – Monday, September 7, 2026
Location:
Historic Downtown Long Grove
145 Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, IL 60047
Admission: Free (including complimentary parking)
