Celebrate St. Patrick’s in Seattle: Kells Irish Festival Returns for its 42nd Year!
Seattle’s most iconic Irish celebration is back! Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub is thrilled to announce the 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Irish Festival, running March 6–17, 2025. Tickets for the festival are on sale now! The festival is the city’s ultimate destination for live music, traditional Irish fare, rugby watch parties, and spirited festivities.
This year’s music lineup is bigger than ever, featuring renowned Irish and Celtic artists such as Mairtin Higgins, Buckmad Bhoys, Vertigo Zoo (Seattle’s premier U2 tribute band), and more. Plus, festival goers can enjoy authentic Irish cuisine—from corned beef to Ballycastle sausage rolls—paired with Kells’ signature Irish brews.
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 O hUigin, 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. Smokin’ Shamrocks, 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 O hUigin (9 PM)
o Saturday, March 8 – Mairtin O hUigin & Zac Tupper (7 PM)
o Sunday, March 9 – Mairtin O hUigin (9 PM)
o Tuesday, March 11 – Mairtin O hUigin (9 PM)
o Wednesday, March 12 – Mairtin O hUigin (9 PM)
o Thursday, March 13 – Smokin’ Shamrocks & Mairtin Higgins (7 PM) and the Mayor of Galway (6 PM to 9 PM)
o Friday, March 14 – Smokin’ Shamrocks & Mairtin O hUigin (7 PM)
o Saturday, March 15 – Smokin’ Shamrocks, Mairtin O hUigin, David Garbers, Zach Tupper, Josh Lopes (Noon), Stout Pounders (3 PM), Vertigo Zoo (7 PM)
o Sunday, March 16 – Smokin’ Shamrocks and Mairtin O hUigin (2 PM)
o Monday, March 17 – Smokin’ Shamrocks, Mairtin O hUigin, 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.
Passes are on sale now. Two-day passes are available for $20 and include a free festival t-shirt (while supplies last).
Founded in 1983 by the McAleese family, Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub is a beloved Seattle institution located in the historic Butterworth Building within Pike Place Market. Renowned for its warm hospitality and authentic Irish charm, Kells offers a welcoming atmosphere that blends tradition with community spirit. Housed in a building dating back to 1903, Kells is steeped in history as Seattle’s first mortuary, adding a layer of intrigue with ghost stories and paranormal legends. Known for its lively atmosphere, Kells serves traditional Irish fare like shepherd’s pie and Irish stew, alongside an extensive selection of Irish whiskeys and beers on tap. Kells is a cultural hub, hosting live Irish music and community events throughout the year. Its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are among the cities most anticipated, drawing crowds for music, dancing, and authentic Irish festivities. With additional locations in Portland and San Francisco, Kells remains a family-owned establishment that continues to be a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether stopping by for a pint, enjoying a hearty meal, or soaking in the storied ambiance, Kells offers an unforgettable experience rooted in Irish tradition. For more information, visit www.kellsirish.com or follow-on social media @kellsirish1916.