Frequently Asked Questions

The 2023 Fair will be August 11 - 13 and located at Harriet Island in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

• Friday, August 11, 3pm-11pm 
• Saturday, August 12, 10am-11pm
• Sunday, August 13, 10am-7:30pm (7pm scattering)

Yes, we are. Tickets will go on sale on March 17, 2023.

We care about your health and safety.  We will follow then-current guidelines and will keep this page updated as we near the event. 

Yes. Make sure you get a stamp as you leave for same day re-entry! 

Stay tuned for the new fun things we have planned!

Irish weather happens and will make Harriet Island even more green and beautiful like Ireland.  We are a rain or shine event and cannot refund tickets. Bring your raincoat and umbrella and have some fun. 

• Entertainment Line-Up and Schedule.  Stay tuned
• Social Dance. Stay tuned
• Sunday Mass. Stay tuned

Yes! We are pleased to bring you a variety of food and beverage options. We are adding new food vendors this year and will be bringing back many crowd favorites. Full food vendor list will be available in July. And each vendor/area will accept credit and debit cards (preferred) and cash.

We will not offer any formal virtual programming but, tune in via Facebook for some live broadcasting. 

Leashed pets are welcome this year. Please note that this is an outdoor event with crowds, music, sports, so we appreciate your consideration in whether this is the best environment for your pet. 

No, except for one bottle of water.  We will have a water station and you can bring your refillable water bottle. You will want to check out the many options for food and beverages available. If you have special dietary needs, please contact us at food@irishfair.com.   As a note, we rely on the revenue from sales to help pay the rapidly increasing costs associated with hosting a major 3-day event and to hold our ticket pricing down. 

Drive, bus, rideshare, walk, bike, scoot, taxi, boat - MANY options to get to Harriet Island. (We don’t recommend swimming.)

Bikes and Scooters - Yes! We would love to see you bike or ride your scooter to Harriet Island. Bicycle and scooter parking is available near the gateway entrance on Water Street. Please know that bicycles and scooters are not allowed inside the event grounds. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen property and strongly encourage you to lock up. 

Bus and/or Train - https://www.metrotransit.org/trip-planner

RideShare - Uber/Lyft drop off point available at 175 Water Street W. (drop off in front of main entrance). 

Boats - The public dock will be open during normal park hours, 7:00am - 10:00 pm. 

Parking - If you choose to drive to the Fair, businesses along Water Street and Plato Blvd open their lots to Irish Fair guests to park in. They do charge a fee to park. Harriet Island’s parking lots are controlled by security and closed to the general public during the event. Buy a VIP ticket and get valet parking included in the price.

Permitted Items on Festival Grounds

• Blankets
• Lawn chairs (we will have some chairs available but not guaranteed) 
• Sealed water bottles (up to 1 liter each)
• Refillable water bottles 
• Backpacks smaller than 17"x12"x10"
• Binoculars
• Non-aerosol sunscreen
• Small handheld umbrella
• Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability

Park Rules apply! Prohibited items are included in the following, non-exhaustive list:

• Unleashed pets except as permitted for service animals
• Coolers
• Outside food and beverages, except sealed water bottles - UNLESS otherwise arranged. 
• Skateboards, scooters, bicycles may not be used on the grounds
• Glass bottles or cans, including aerosol cans
• Backpacks and bags larger than 17"x12"x10"
• Laser devices
• Fireworks
• Chain wallets 
• Weapons. Parks Rules and Regulations prohibit weapons of any kind except as allowed by Minnesota State Statutes. 
• Drones (see the City of St. Paul website for permitting information about drones)

Harriet Island is a paved, level surface where wheelchairs can easily navigate on sidewalks. The grass is also level, allowing easy access to tents. Accessible parking is available on the north side of Water Street between Wabasha and Plato until full. Overflow accessible parking and transportation is available at 90 West Plato Boulevard. Look for the accessible parking sign. A drop-off area is provided in front of the Gateway Entrance. The Irish Fair of Minnesota does not offer wheelchairs. 

Guests with autism, sensory processing disorders, and other needs are welcome to spend time in our Quiet Space located near the Pavilion. This space will be kept dark and quiet for people who need a break.

Irish Fair Social Narrative

Irish Fair will offer a private tented area near the Quiet Space for nursing mothers.

There will be an ATM machine located near the main entrance/Water Street. There are several businesses near Harriet Island that also have ATMs.

The first aid station is located next to the playground area, west of the main entrance.

The restrooms located in the Pavilion will be available to all Fair guests.  In addition, we will have portable toilets in a couple of locations including a women only section.

Lost and Found is located at the Info Booth/Welcome Booth directly in front of the main entrance. After the festival, all remaining items are brought to the Irish Fair of Minnesota office. Email info@irishfair.com to see if your lost item was turned in.