Practice for St. Patty's Day

St. Patrick's Day only comes once a year, sadly. Shouldn't there really be more than one occasion a year to imbue large quantities of green beer and wear t-shirts that say "Kiss me I'm Irish"?

While this may not be the motive of the Michigan Irish Music Festival, they certainly are giving you a mid-year chance to revive your Irish pride this September.

Presented by Mercy Health Partners, the festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 18th and continues until 6 p.m. on Sunday night, all at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon.

The three day event will play host to three stages of live Irish and Celtic music to create that authentic Irish experience. Several favorites from last year's entertainment lineup are returning, such as Seamus Kennedy, Kennedy’s Kitchen, Switchback, Craic Wisely, Old Blind Dogs, Fonn Mor, and Blackthorn.

New acts making an appearance at this year’s festival are Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Solas, Slide, and The Makem & Spain Brothers.

With the continuous Irish music as background, festival-goers can also feast on the authentic Irish food and beverages provided by Bob and Bernie's Pub, including Guinness, Irish Cream, and Budweiser products.

The festival will also have an Irish Marketplace, a cultural tent, an acoustic tent for stripped down performances of your favorite artists, and children's activities. Saturday's activities include Feis, a competitive Irish dance contest.

An Irish Catholic mass and traditional Irish breakfast on Sunday morning cap off the weekend.

Ticket prices vary each day of the festival, but a 3-day pass can be purchased for $25. See individual prices here.

For more information and a complete entertainment schedule, visit www.michiganirish.org.