Wednesday, Mar 11

Dublin Irish Festival Earns National Recognition as One of The Nation’s Best Cultural Festivals

Annual cultural celebration named a winner in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

DUBLIN, Ohio (March 11, 2026) — The Dublin Irish Festival has once again earned national recognition, ranking No. 3 for Best Cultural Festival in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The annual celebration of Irish music, culture and dance previously earned the No. 1 ranking in 2025, and this year’s results mark another strong showing among cultural Festivals in the United States.

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight outstanding attractions and events nationwide. Nominees are first selected by a panel of subject-matter experts and editors before the final rankings are determined through public voting.

“This recognition reflects the incredible community that brings the Festival to life each year,” says Director of Community Events Alison LeRoy. “From the performers and volunteers to our sponsors and guests, this honor belongs to everyone.”

The Festival is one of the world’s largest Irish celebrations and draws visitors from across the region and beyond. Whether you’re discovering Irish culture for the first time or returning for a beloved annual tradition, the 2026 Festival promises a weekend filled with the essence of Irish culture for Central Ohio.

The Festival has earned additional national and international awards, including the top spot in the American Bus Association Best of the Best Awards, and the City of Dublin was honored as a World Festival and Event City with six Pinnacle Awards at the 70th Annual International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) Convention.

For more information about the Dublin Irish Festival, visit DublinIrishFestival.org and follow the Festival on FacebookInstagramTwitter and YouTube.

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About the Dublin Irish Festival

Experience music, culture and dance at the 39th Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio, USA. The 2026 Festival returns this summer, July 31, Aug. 1 & 2. Welcoming over 90,000 guests to Coffman Park for a three-day Irish Celebration, from concerts and Irish Dance to shopping and more.

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EAT

Allergen & Dietary Restrictions

Peanut-Free Options

  • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events
  • Dell’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee – Nut-free options (facility carries nuts)
  • Dos Hermanos
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream
  • Kona Ice
  • Matus Enterprises
  • Monster Baby Donuts

Pescatarian Options

  • Big Bamboo’s Caribbean Grill – Fish & Chips, Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Po-Boy, Fish Po-Boy
  • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events – Wild Caught Salmon Filet, Blue Lump Crab Cake
  • Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck
  • The Celtic Pig – Fish and Chips

Vegetarian Options

  • Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck – Grilled Cheese, Cheese Quesadilla
  • Gosia’s Pierogies – Pierogies
  • Hey Hey – Sauerkraut Balls, Irish Potato Pancakes, Cabbage and Noodles
  • Monster Baby Donuts
  • Old Bag of Nails Pub – Fried Pickles, Mac & Cheese, French Fries
  • RKP Vending – Jumbo Hot Pretzels, French Fries
  • Snow Sisters
  • Squeaky’s Cheese Curds – Fried Cheese Curds
  • Swensons Drive Ins – Salad Boys (veggie patty sandwich)
  • The Irish Baker – Scones, Shortbread, Soda Bread, Brown Breads
  • Tortilla Street Food
  • Virginia Vendor Food Services Inc – Hummus, Falafel, Veggie Platter, Fries
  • Whole World – Vegetarian Irish Stew, Caesar Salad

Vegan Options

  • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events – Portobello Mushroom
  • Lehman’s Concessions – Dairy-free Smoothies
  • Snow Sisters
  • Tortilla Street Food
  • Virginia Vendor Food Services Inc – Falafel, Veggie Platter, Fries

Gluten-Free Options

  • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events – Potato Hash, Salmon, Pork Chop, Portobello, Dill Sauce
  • Celtic Pig – Pork & Brisket, Haggis (without gravy)
  • Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck – Bisque, Chowder (corn tortillas available)
  • Dell’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee
  • Dos Hermanos
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream
  • Hey Hey – Pulled Pork, Brisket, Stuffed Cabbage, Irish Potato Pancakes (all GF)
  • Matus Enterprises
  • Lehman’s Concessions – Smoothies
  • RKP Vending
  • Schmidt’s of German Village – Available upon request
  • Snow Sisters
  • Swensons Drive Ins – Available upon request
  • The Almond Shop – All gluten-free except Honey Roasted Cashews and Jalapeño Cheddar Peanuts
  • Tortilla Street Food
  • Virginia Vendor Food Services Inc
  • Whole World – Caesar Salad