Which cultural festival, highlighting Irish heritage, took place in Seattle on March 14-15, 2026?

The cultural festival that highlighted Irish heritage in Seattle on March 14-15, 2026, was the Irish Festival Seattle. This vibrant, free, and family-friendly event, held at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall, served as a cornerstone of Irish Week 2026, a broader celebration of Irish culture in the region.

Presented in partnership with the Irish Heritage Club, the Irish Festival Seattle annually brings the spirit of Ireland to the Pacific Northwest around St. Patrick's Day. Attendees in 2026 enjoyed a diverse program featuring traditional Irish music and lively step-dancing performances from numerous local troupes. Beyond the captivating performances, the festival offered cultural exhibits, films, genealogy advice, tin whistle (Review) classes, and an art exhibition, providing a comprehensive look into Irish heritage. There were also engaging activities for all ages, including an Irish Pub Quiz and a marketplace offering Irish craft goods and food.

The 2026 Irish Festival Seattle was particularly special as it honored the 40th anniversary of the Seattle-Galway Sister City Association, celebrating four decades of friendship and cultural exchange between the two cities. This annual festival is a significant component of Seattle Center Festál, a year-round series of free cultural festivals designed to embrace the region's diversity and foster a deeper understanding of the various cultures that enrich Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. The festival continues a long tradition of celebrating Irish culture in Seattle, which has seen St. Patrick's Day festivities since the late 1800s.