Features

Dubuque’s Irish Hooley Returns for 2021

by Connie Cherba

Dubuque’s Irish Hooley Music Festival is back for 2021 with Irish/Celtic music, dance, food, drink, and more. Now in its 16th year, the Hooley will be held rain or shine on August 28, 11:30 AM-10 PM, at the Alliant Energy Amphitheater at the Port of Dubuque’s Mississippi Riverwalk.

Dubuque’s Hooley was founded in 2004 to promote Irish/Celtic music and culture in the Tri-states. A ten-member volunteer Hooley Board of Directors is responsible for making sure the Hooley runs smoothly.

“A number of us make up the Hooley Board,” said Bryan Fitting, vice president of the board. “We all kind of have our role. It works well, and none of us are overwhelmed. We all have our niche and do a good job with our various responsibilities.”

The current Hooley is patterned after the ancient Irish tradition of celebrating all things Irish with lively music, dance, song, good conversation, and general merriment. Ian Gould, the 2021 Hooley Master of Ceremonies, will introduce an exciting lineup of bands and entertainment, including the Dubuque Fire Pipes & Drums, the McNulty Irish Dancers, The Lads of Dubuque, Ballyheigue, and the headliner band Screaming Orphans.

To read this and other featured articles in their entirety, pickup the August 2021 issue of Julien’s Journal magazine. Click to subscribe for convenient delivery by mail, or call (563) 557-1914. Single issues are also available in print at area newsstands and digitally via the Issuu platform.


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