What is better than outdoor events in the springtime? This time of year is great for cookouts, ballgames, and just sitting in the backyard. One of our crew’s favorite events each spring is the Philadelphia Fleadh. The Fleadh is an all day festival of Irish music, food, and craic (that’s Irish for a good time!). We have been going to this event since it started in 2013, and have brought more of our friends and family each year we go.
Just Get in the Car will be generously hosted at this year’s Fleadh, however, our opinions are 100% our own!
This year’s event is at the National Guard Armory in Northeast Philly on May 11th, from 11 AM to 8 PM. Afraid the rain will ruin the day? Don’t be! They always have a rain plan, with plenty of tents, and indoor options in case the weather gets really bad. A few years ago, we attended a Fleadh in the pouring rain, and had a blast. They setup an intimate acoustic session inside, and used the tents to cover up the beer tent lines – a major priority for any Irish event!
The biggest and best part of the event is the Irish music. The Fleadh brings together some of the best traditional Irish and Celtic Rock bands from the area. The John Byrne Band, Bogside Rogues, and the Paul Moore Band are some of our favorites from years past. In addition to them, you can enjoy the music of the Birmingham Six, Gaelic Mishap, No Irish Need Apply, The Kilted Rogues, Shenanigans, Oakwyn, Killen, Clark and Kane, Ray Coleman and Gathering. You may not be seeing the Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, the Pogues or Dubliners, but a lot of these bands are influenced by them, so you probably still hear some familiar tunes and also discover something new.
There are three stages of bands, so no matter where you are on the grounds, you can hear one of the acts. Are you a musician yourself? Bring your instruments, and sit in on one of the Trad sessions, and jam out with some new friends and lovers of Irish music.
The Fleadh is also a family friendly event. Got kids? Bring them along! They will probably love the bounce houses and face painting as much as our guys do. They spent hours bouncing around, playing, meeting new friends, watching the Irish dance competition, and even listening to the music. And best of all – kids 12 and under get in free!
Like all these events, there will be plenty of food and beer vendors. So you can find yourself some Irish fare like Shepard’s Pie or Fish and Chips, or some more American fare like burgers and chicken fingers. Beer vendors will also be there – and unlike most music venues, this one does not gouge you with beer pricing.
If you are looking for gifts or swag, there are also plenty of vendors. Thanks to the kids, we have bubble guns, stuffed green dogs, and light up wands all over the place. But there are also vendors selling plenty of other Irish stuff you may like – jewelry, shirts, family histories, maps, etc.
One of the best parts of the Fleadh is the price. For a full day event, tickets are $20 online right now, and only $25 at the gate. For that price, you get a full day out with some great music, family activities, food, beer, and craic.
So pack a lawn chair, some bottles of water, and bring the family up for what we think is the best Irish event in Philadelphia. The Just Get in the Car crew will be there representing County Delco in our County Clare kilt (even though a DNA test recently told us we are from Donegal). So what are you waiting for? Get online, buy some tickets and meet us there!
