After more than 40 years of celebrating Irish and Celtic music, dance and culture in Dallas, the North Texas Irish Festival (NTIF) is stepping into an exciting new chapter. Festival organizers today announced that the 2027 North Texas Irish Festival will be held in Denton at the North Texas Fairgrounds March 13-14, bringing one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Celtic heritage to a vibrant new home.
“We’re honored that the North Texas Irish Festival has chosen Denton as its new home. This move reflects our city’s commitment and reputation as a premier destination for arts, culture and community events,” said Denton Mayor Chris Watts. “We look forward to welcoming visitors and introducing them to the energy, hospitality and character that makes Denton unlike anywhere else.”
Produced by the all-volunteer Southwest Celtic Music Association (SCMA), the North Texas Irish Festival has welcomed generations of families since its founding in 1983, becoming a beloved tradition for Irish and Celtic enthusiasts throughout North Texas and growing into one of the largest Irish festivals in the United States. The move to Denton marks an exciting new chapter for the festival while it remains firmly rooted in its mission of preserving and celebrating Irish and Celtic traditions through music, dance, storytelling, food, arts and education.
Festival organizers believe Denton’s renowned arts and music community makes it a natural fit for the North Texas Irish Festival.
“Denton is known for embracing music and creativity,” said Sheri Bush, entertainment director of the North Texas Irish Festival. “Those values align perfectly with what the North Texas Irish Festival has represented for more than four decades. We’re excited to become part of the Denton community while continuing to welcome attendees from across Texas and beyond. We’re heading to greener pastures.”
The move is being embraced by Denton business leadership, as well, which is welcoming this springtime festival with open arms.
“Denton is proud to become the new home of the North Texas Irish Festival,” noted Kristi Criswell, executive director of Discover Denton. “Welcoming this celebrated event, with more than four decades of history, represents an exciting new chapter for tourism in Denton. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our hotels, restaurants, businesses and attractions, while giving visitors the opportunity to experience the hospitality and creativity that make Denton such a special destination.”
The 2027 festival will continue to feature the traditions attendees have come to expect, including multiple stages of live Celtic music, Irish step dancing performances, cultural demonstrations, storytelling, shopping, authentic food and beverages, a full weekend of activities for children, and opportunities to experience the rich traditions of Ireland and the Celtic nations.
Additional details, including the performer lineup and ticket information will be announced in the coming months.
The North Texas Irish Festival remains committed to the volunteers, performers, sponsors, vendors and attendees whose support has made the festival a beloved North Texas tradition for generations.
“The North Texas Irish Festival has always been about bringing people together through a shared love of Celtic culture,” said Bush. “As we looked toward the future, Denton offered an incredible opportunity to continue that tradition while creating new experiences for longtime festivalgoers while welcoming new audiences.”
For the latest updates, visit ntif.org or follow the North Texas Irish Festival on social media at:
- Facebook: @NTIFSCMA
- Twitter: @NTIF_scma
- Instagram: @NTIF_SCMA
- Blue Sky: @NTIF-SCMA
About the Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc.
The Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. (SCMA), a non-profit cultural corporation, is the producing organization for the North Texas Irish Festival. Approximately 500 volunteers will help in the organization, promotion and execution of this year’s festival. The first such festival was held on March 5, 1983, at the legendary Nick Farrelly’s Lounge on Oak Lawn and was billed as the First Texas Céilí. This event was so popular that it has continued every year since on the first weekend in March as the North Texas Irish Festival. Shortly after the first festival, the all-volunteer Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. was formed to promote the study, performance and preservation of traditional Celtic music, dance and culture. In 1984, the event was moved to Fair Park and its name changed to the North Texas Irish Festival, and in 2027, the North Texas Irish Festival will make its debut in Denton, Texas. The SCMA serves a five-state regional area and maintains a web site at www.scmatx.org .