City of Dublin to Bring New Experiences and Perks to the 2026 Dublin Irish Festival

From VIP to Coffee: New Experiences and Perks at the 2026 Dublin Irish Festival

Brand new experiences and savings are waiting at this year’s edition of the award-winning Dublin Irish Festival, including VIP Packages, coffee and whiskey tastings and more. With music, dance and culture at the heart of this year’s Festival, a variety of fresh and familiar faces in Irish entertainment return to Coffman Park from July 31 to Aug. 2, 2026. 

A new perk this year, included in all VIP packages, is access to VIP Express entrances and the north and east entrance gates. This allows VIP ticket holders to skip the line at any time, all weekend! Each VIP package offers its own features, ranging from exclusive parking access to premier views and covered seating at all the Festival stages. All VIP memberships include Festival admission and access to private restrooms and bars.
 
“With all the Irish music, food and spirit coming to life, there is so much to explore at this year’s Festival. VIP memberships are an easy way to spend more time on celebrating the richness of Irish culture and less on logistics,” says Alison LeRoy, City of Dublin Director of Events.
 
Another new experience offered to guests this year is the Jameson Coffee Open House on Sunday, joining the fan-favorite lineup of Whiskey Tastings throughout the weekend. This interactive experience provides guests with expert tips and hands-on instruction fueled by Irish tradition. Tickets are $14, separate from Festival admission. 
 
If culture is on your agenda, make a plan to attend the new Irish Unity Forum. Hear international experts from Ireland’s Future and the Ancient Order of Hibernians discuss the political issues surrounding Irish reunification. This takes place Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Dublin Community Recreation Center’s Abbey Theater. 
 
Other ways attendees may elevate their Festival experience include utilizing the City of Dublin’s Safe Ride partnership and visiting the Defenders Den. With Safe Ride, guests are encouraged to enjoy the weekend responsibly by using promo code DUBLINIRISH26 to receive $10 off a Lyft ride to or from the Festival throughout the weekend. The Defenders Den is a covered rest area where active and retired military members, veterans of all military branches or first responders, along with up to three accompanying family members, can find complimentary snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and resource information. Several organizations, including Honor Flight Columbus and Blue Star Families, will be on-site. 
 
General Admission ticket prices will increase after July 18. More information on new and returning Festival experiences can be found at DublinIrishFestival.org. Follow the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
 
About the Dublin Irish Festival

Experience music, culture and dance at the 39th Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio, USA. The 2026 Festival returns July 31, Aug. 1 and 2, welcoming more than 90,000 guests to Coffman Park for a three-day Irish celebration featuring concerts, Irish dance, shopping, food, culture and more.