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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Allergen & Dietary Restrictions

The Dublin Irish Festival offers a variety of food options to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions and preferences. Please check with each vendor for specific preparation details and cross-contamination concerns.

Brock Masterson's Catering & Events

  • 3 Potato Hash with Dill Sauce — Gluten-free
  • Corned Beef Hash — Gluten-free, Dairy-free (leave off cheese)
  • Portobello Hash or Portobello Salad — Gluten-free, Vegetarian; Dairy-free and Vegan (leave off cheese)
  • Salmon Hash or Salmon Salad — Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Pescatarian

Dos Hermanos Taco Truck

Items without flour tortillas are gluten-free, including:

  • Tacos
  • Burrito Bowls
  • Loaded Nachos

Fat Boy Q

Gluten-free options include:

  • Brisket
  • Pulled Pork
  • Ribs

Get Loaded Food Truck

  • All French fry combinations are gluten-free.

Graeter's Ice Cream

  • Sorbet — Dairy-free
  • Most flavors are gluten-free.

Kona Ice

  • All flavors are allergen-free.

Matus Enterprises, LLC

  • Kettle popcorn and caramel popcorn are dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free.

Schmidt's of German Village

Gluten-free options include:

  • All sausages without a bun
  • German Potato Salad
  • Kraut

Snow Sisters

Allergy-friendly options include:

  • Snow Cones — Allergy-free
  • Dippin' Dots — Gluten-free and dairy-free options available
  • Lemonade — Allergy-free
  • Bottled Water — Allergy-free

The Columbus Coffee Co.

  • Gluten-free options available.

Tortilla Street Food

  • Gluten-free options
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options

Whole World

Vegetarian options include:

  • Vegetarian Stew
  • Caesar Salad