
I had a great time this past September at Irish 2000. I traveled to the festival to see Emish and brought several friends. We would love to see Emish again in 2011!!!
M.C., Warwick, NY
My first time to experience the music of the Screaming Orphans... outstanding!
H.H., S. Egremont, MA
Schenectady Pipes and Drums where awesome!
M.P, New York, NY
My first time at Irish 2000. I have to be honest and say yours has been the best I've been to in years.
B. McA.
Had a blast at the festival this year!
S.W.. Toronto
AMAZING JOB THIS YEAR!!!!!
A.C., Vergennes, VT
Blog by Bob Goepfert, Troy Record:
http://artswhisperer.blogspot.com/2010/09/real-st-patricks-day-at-irish-fest-2000.html
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathy Condon | Condon Communications | 48 Glenwood Road | Albany, NY 12204
PH: 518-436-1103 | CELL: 518-441-0259
E-MAIL: Click here to reveal...
![]() | Irish 2000 Friday, September 14th &
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A Grand Celebration
16th Annual Irish 2000 Festival
Scheduled for September 14 & 15, 2012
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. – For two days in mid-September, the Saratoga County Fairgrounds is home to all things Irish as the 16th Annual Irish 2000 Music & Arts Festival takes place.
The festival, ranked one of the top five of its kind in the United States, kicks off with non-stop music from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. On Saturday, the festival gates open at 10 a.m. and performances continue until 11 p.m. with some of the best Celtic entertainment in the world.
“Irish 2000 has become a tradition -- a grand celebration of midway to St. Patrick’s Day. Each year we welcome about 15,000 people to the Fairground's for two days filled with music, dance and so much more,” said Festival Executive Director Matt Nelligan.
On Friday, the main stage features The Mickey Finns, the Screaming Orphans, Enter the Haggis, The Tossers and the Street Dogs.
On Saturday, the music never ends with three stages hosting every type of Irish music imaginable, from the traditional harmonies songs of The Makem and Spain Brothers to the jig-punk sounds of The Prodigals from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. This year’s lineup includes:
On the Rock Stage -- The Fighting Jamesons, The Mickey Finns, Emish, The Killdares, Ashley MacIsaac, The Prodigals and The Prodigals Reunion (current and original members), and the Screaming Orphans
On the Traditional Stage -- The McKrells, Girsa, the John Whelan Band, The Makem and Spain Brothers, and Hair of the Dog.
On the McSweeney Memorial Stage -- The Brian Gibney Band, Rakish Paddy, Frank Jaklitsch & Friends, Who’s Your Paddy?, The Fighting Jamesons, Girsa, The Brothers Flynn and Emish.
On Saturday, those attending enjoy the Schenectady Pipe Band playing throughout the fairgrounds. On the Dance Stage, the Michael Farrell, Boland and Iona schools of Irish dance perform. For the children, there is story telling by Barbara McCarthy, performances by magician Domino the Great, pony rides, Celtic Critters and rides.
The festival also hosts more than 100 food and craft vendors.
Discounted tickets will be available starting on July 24 through Price Chopper’s Tickets to Go program. At the gate, tickets for Friday only are $20. Tickets for Saturday only are $20 at the gate. Children under the age of 10 are admitted free. There is a $3 parking fee.
MORE INFORMATION
Additional information about the 16th Annual Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival is available by calling 1-888-414-3378. or visiting www.irish2000fest.com.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
The not-for-profit Irish Music and Arts Festival, Inc. organizes the annual festival. The goal of the organization is, “To preserve, protect and promote Irish history and culture in the 21st century.”
In addition to producing the festival, Irish 2000 also supports other non-profit organizations. Since its inception, the festival has donated more than $350,000 to a variety of charities.
![]() | Irish 2000 Friday, September 14th &
| ![]() |
| WHAT: | 16th Annual Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival – A Two-Day Event |
RANK: | One of the top five Irish Festival in the nation, in terms of attendance, although the Capital Region’s population is much lower than the higher venues that include Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland, etc. |
| ATTENDANCE: | Average annual: 15,500 |
| WHERE: | Saratoga County Fairgrounds, Ballston Spa |
WHEN: | 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 |
| MUSIC: | The 16th Annual Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival returns to the Saratoga County Fairgrounds with a sensational line up that includes Screaming Orphans, The Fighting Jamesons, The Mickey Finns, Emish, The Killdares, Ashley MacIsaac, The Prodigals and Enter the Haggis. |
| ON SITE: | About 100 vendors featuring Celtic wares, food, etc. Kids’ Area, Irish Dance and more. |
MORE INFORMATION:
Call 1-888-414-3378 or visit the Web site at www.irish2000fest.com.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS:
The not-for-profit Irish Music and Arts Festival, Inc. organizes the annual festival.
Since its inception, the festival has donated more than $350,000 to a variety of charities.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathy Condon | Condon Communications | 48 Glenwood Road | Albany, NY 12204
PH: 518-436-1103 | CELL: 518-441-0259
E-MAIL: Click here to reveal...




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