milwaukee irish fest (locally known as irish fest) is a yearly ethnic festival held at the henry maier festival park, on lake michigan, united states, every third weekend in august. more than 130,000 people attend the fest each year to take in nearly 250 acts on 17 stages. the four-day festival in downtown milwaukee started in 1981, founded by edward j. ward. irish fest is the largest of the ethnic festivals held at the summerfest grounds which report attendance, and holds claim to the largest celebration of irish culture in the world.