Irish On Ionia 2018

What more can be written about Irish on Ionia (IOI) that has not already been said about the wildly popular and quite possibly the biggest St. Patty’s Day party in Michigan that invades downtown Grand Rapids each March by way of Barfly Events (Part of the family of downtown eateries of HopCat, Grand Rapid Brewing Company, and Stella’s). 

This popular event that is not for the weak of liver should you wish to imbibe in all the festivities that kick off at 7 a.m. and keep on cranking out hour after hour of programming until 10 p.m.

Thought the day there are beer tents and two stages filled with bands and DJs that range from the traditional Irish sound to a heavy dance beat that helps you burn off those beer calories, including  names like locals DJ Slim Tim and DJ Sean Boney and guest DJ’s like DJ Kalendr.

They even have the popular ShamROCK, Paper, Scissors Tournament on deck with hosts Mike and Drew. 

And while the Waldron House is also open and hosting programming for attendees of IOI throughout the day, the heat really gets cranked up when DJ Richard Oxygenn starts spinning for the late night crowd at 10 p.m.

So while you have a lot of places to consider attending and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, if you seek that big booming festival atmosphere, then IOI is your ticket to secure this year. And don’t delay purchasing tickets—this one has been known to sell out.