Q+A: All about Circle City Irish Fest with founder Cory Mahon

Pinch us. It may not be March, but Indy is about to get Irish-green.

Circle City Irish Fest (CCIF) kicks off its first multi-day event from Sept. 20-21. In preparation for the fun-filled weekend, we chatted with founder + Indy resident Cory Mahon about the fest’s background and future.

Q: What inspired you to start Circle City Irish Fest?

A: In 2023, Indy Irish Fest announced they were ceasing operations. It was a blow that rippled through the Irish community in central Indiana, since they had been putting on annual festivals for more than two decades.

As soon as I heard the news, I made the decision that I was going to fill the void they left behind. I intended to start with just a little party at my house, but it quickly became evident this was going to be more than my house could handle. So in about two months, I put together a one-day festival with three bands, Irish dancers, and a performance by The St. Patrick’s Day Rogues Pipes and Drums. To my surprise, the event completely sold out.

Photo by INDYtoday team

As I was planning that first fest, a group reached out to me that was also working to pick up where Indy Irish Fest left off. This group is composed of representatives from several Irish social organizations around town, including The Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and The Gaelic Athletic Association.

We all came together and are committed to keeping the tradition alive. From these organizations, we elected our executive board: Kate Miller, chair; Cory Mahon, co-chair; Dan McNelis, treasurer; Joan Gutzwiller, secretary; and Eileen Johntage, member-at-large.

Along with our general committee, we’re planning the first official CCIF. It’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss!

Q: What can we expect for this year’s event?

A: For 2024, CCIF is being brought to you by 9 Irish Brothers on Mass Ave. It will be in Fountain Square on the campus of Holy Rosary Church + the neighboring Edna Balz Lacy Park on Sept. 20-21.

The two days are packed with a full lineup of music including local favorites Highland Reign, Laughing Jacks, The Dirty Tweeds, and Tullies at the Wakefield, regional all-stars Brigid’s Cross, and international talent all the way from Ireland with Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones. We’re also pleased to have the crowd-pleasing fan favorite The Fighting Jamesons. Our Irish dancers and pipes and drums are returning this year as well, making the entertainment nonstop over both days.

On top of all that, we’ll also have an Irish market, a Wee Folk area for kids (who get free entry to the festival) to play in + learn about Irish culture, and plenty of food and beer for sale.

Lastly, we’re also debuting the Circle City Irish Pub Club. For a $50 membership you get entry into both days of the festival, a Pub Club T-shirt, invitations to monthly events, and discounts on food at our participating Irish pubs: Manley’s Irish Mutt, The Snug, and 9 Irish Brothers.

Photo by @circle_city_irish_fest_2024

Q: Who is CCIF for?

A: CCIF is a family-friendly event that has something for people of all ages + all walks of life. Inclusiveness is at the heart of our festival and organization. Everyone is welcome with open arms and a warm smile.

Q: What does the future hold for CCIF?

A: Our plan for 2025 is to have CCIF at the same location and time of year (halfway to St. Patrick’s Day). Our future is very bright, and it is lit by the passion and enthusiasm of our board members who are working tireless hours and putting in endless effort to help CCIF grow and establish itself.

I am so proud of this team and what we have accomplished already, and I am giddy with anticipation about what the future holds. One thing I can tell you for sure is that we are in this for the long haul and intend to have a history as rich as the Indy Irish Fest that came before us. We’re honoring our past, staying committed to our present, and looking to the future of our Irish heritage and those who preserve it.

Q: How can people get involved?

A: Our website is a one-stop-shop to buy tickets, donate to the festival, volunteer, join our Pub Club, and see our top-notch talent and amazing sponsors. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram .

To get involved in the short term, come support us at our next dine to donate event at Manley’s Irish Mutt on Thursday, July 18.