Organizers of Twin Cities Irish Fest have launched an emergency fundraising campaign aimed at preserving one of St. Paul’s largest annual cultural festivals.
Festival leaders said the organization is seeking to raise $185,000 by June 27 to help cover rising production costs and upfront operational expenses ahead of the 2026 event scheduled for Aug. 7-9 at Harriet Island Regional Park.
Formerly known as the Irish Fair of Minnesota, the festival has operated for more than 40 years and draws thousands of attendees annually for Irish music, dance, athletics, food and cultural programming.
Organizers said inflation, sponsorship challenges and earlier payment deadlines for artists and infrastructure have created financial pressure similar to challenges facing arts and cultural nonprofits nationwide.
The organization said it has already secured roughly $106,000 through donors and traditional funding sources but remains short about $77,500 needed for entertainment deposits and festival amenities.
A fundraising campaign and community block party are planned for June 27 as part of the effort to stabilize the festival’s finances and prepare for future sustainability.
Festival organizers emphasized the event’s role as a longstanding cultural tradition in St. Paul and one of the Midwest’s largest Irish festivals.
Donations and campaign information are available at twincitiesirishfest.com/love.
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