Submitted by Boston Irish Tourism Association
Fall foliage is a big deal in New England this time of year, with leaf-peepers from around the world descending on this colorful region. Autumn is also a perfect season to explore the rich Irish cultural offerings here, from concerts, dances and festivals to sports, commemorations and special events happening throughout the region. Here’s a summary.
Sean Keane.
FESTIVALS
The 5th annual Rockport Celtic Festival takes place September 12-15 in the picturesque fishing village of Rockport, MA, one of the most photographed spots in New England. Started by the late radio host Brian O’Donovan, the popular festival is continued by Rockport Music and Scottish harpist Maeve Gilchrist. In addition to amazing musicians, singers and storytellers, this year’s event features a commissioned musical piece by brilliant Irish fiddler and composer Liz Carroll and the Rasa String Quartet.
The annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival on September 20-22 in beautiful Rhode Island includes a full weekend of wine tasting events, a Vintner Dinner and elegant Sunday Brunch at the famous Rosecliff Mansion. When you’re there, visit the cool Museum of Newport Irish History on Lower Thames Street, open for the season through October 27. Another point of interest is historic St. Mary’s Church, where John F. Kennedy and Jackie Bouvier said "I do" on September 12, 1953.
The Quincy Food Truck and Music Festival takes place October 5 in one of America’s most historic cities, home of John and Abigail Adams and John Hancock. Quincy boasts a vibrant Irish community that stretches back to the days of shipbuilding and quarries and has been fortified in recent decades by a new generation of Irish expats who have settled along this coastal city. The family-fun event includes dozens of ethnic food trucks, live music throughout the day, including a kids show featuring Irish-American musician Matt Heaton.
The Boston Irish Beer Festival on October 19 is a terrific way to spend a family fun day at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton, just outside of Boston. Enjoy Ireland’s leading beers, stouts and ciders, Irish whiskey and liquor samplings, along with favorite Irish foods. The festival features two live Irish music stages with local bands all day long. Family friendly activities include The Vikings reenactment, Tug-O-War, archery, face painting, a petting zoo, kids singalong and arts & crafts stations.
CONCERTS
The newly refurbished, acoustically sound Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland, RI has another stellar line up this fall. On September 15, All Ireland uilleann piper Conor Mallon from County Armagh and his talented trio take the stage, followed on September 21 by Bronx fiddle great Eileen Ivers and the Brigideens. Scandinavian ensemble Skye Consort with Emma Björling perform on September 29, and Scottish trad band Breabach is live on October 6, followed by traditional music from Quebec with Cécilia on October 12.
The Irish Cultural Centre in Canton has a terrific calendar of music, starting on September 20 when renowned sean-nós singer Seán Keane performs. On September 25, German born, Irish-based singer/songwriter Sina Theil brings her engaging act back to ICC, where she debuted earlier this summer. Two performances on September 28 include singer/storyteller Helena Byrne presenting Tales and Tunes of Ireland, followed in the evening by the Two Worlds Tour featuring Finbar Doyle and Sean Sands.
The Irish Pastoral Centre in Dorchester hosts an evening of Irish American Country Social Dancing with Winnie Henry on September 13. IPC also holds regular Irish traditional music sessions on September 15, the third Sunday of each month, in the afternoon.
The late Congressman Brian Donnelly.
SPECIAL EVENTS
On September 19, the Irish Cultural Centre presents its 2nd annual Brian Donnelly Award to former Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen O'Toole. Proceeds from the night help ICC to program year round music, dance, art, history, language, workshops, sports, festivals and other cultural events and activities. The Awards night takes place at Omni Parker House in downtown Boston.
On September 22, the Boston branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has planned a special night to honor Sally and Joe Harney, the phenomenal, fun couple who have been teaching Irish step-dancing in Boston for some forty years. The Harneys have taught multiple generations the intricacies and joys of set dancing, so expect plenty of live music, upbeat sets and tons of memories at Florian Hall in Dorchester.
On October 6 the Plymouth AOH branch presents the annual Brig St. John Commemoration at St. Anthony's Church and Central Cemetery Cohasset, MA. The event marks the 175th anniversary of the Brig St. John, which sank off the coast of Cohasset in October,1849, carrying more than 100 Irish refugees fleeing the Irish Famine.
On October 10, funny Irish ladies Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams bring their hilarious hit podcast, My Therapist Ghosted Me, to The Wilbur in Boston. The podcast has 3.5 million listeners each month and has recorded nearly 100 episodes to date. On October 17, the Irish American Partnership holds its annual Young Partners Speakers Series in Boston, a valuable networking event for the city’s Irish community.
SPORTS
On September 15 the 12th annual ICC 5K Road Race and Children's Fun Run is held at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton. The kids race starts at 10:30 a.m. and the official race at 11:30 a.m. Afterwards, a post-race party features live music and dancing, a delicious lunch of pasta and salad, Guinness and other brews on tap. Wheelchair users and walkers are encouraged to participate.
On September 27, the Irish Pastoral Centre annual IPC Golf Tournament takes place at the Presidents Golf Club in Quincy. The event supports IPC’s year round mission to assist Irish immigrants and those most vulnerable in the Irish community.
On October 6, the 4th annual Michael T. Ahearn Golf Tournament takes place at Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke. Hosted by the St. Patrick's Committee of Holyoke, the annual fundraiser helps support the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, taking place next year on March 23, 2025.
MUSEUMS
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston is dedicated to the memory of the nation's thirty-fifth president and sits on a 10 acre waterfront site offering panoramic views of Boston Harbor and Boston's skyline. The current exhibits includes "Service and Sacrifice: World War II – A Shared Experience."
The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum in Hyannis on Cape Cod is devoted to the magical family summers of President Kennedy and his family, often described as the Camelot Years. On display through December is an exhibit, "We Remember JFK Jr.," about the president’s beloved son.
IRISH HERITAGE
Learn more about the illustrious history of the Irish by taking a self-guided walk along the Boston Irish Heritage Trail, a three-mile trek covering 20 landmarks that depict 300+ years of Irish politicians and poets, soldiers and suffragists and educators. Free maps are available at the Visitor Center on Boston Common. You can also tour the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail, covering nine towns south of Boston where the Irish have made an impact.
Find complete details on these and other cultural events by visiting irishboston.org.
