FULL SCHEDULE: Hoboken Irish Festival — Saturday, May 16th @ Sinatra Park

If you’re wondering why Hoboken can get away with having an “Irish festival” in “Sinatra Park,” fact is Sinatra’s father used to fight as a boxer under the name Marty O’Brien… so that’s good enough for us.

Of course the Hoboken Irish Festival itself is aiming for slightly more authentic representations of Irish-American heritage—with a heavy focus on cultural offerings such as music, dance and sport.

Now in its fourth year, the event has garnered the support of Irish Network New Jersey, Irish Network USA and the Consulate General of Ireland.

This year’s entertainment includes the McLean Avenue Band, Clan Suibhne, plus Hoboken favorites Gold N’ Brown, and Colin Nisbet of the Hoboken Fire Department on Bagpipes.

For the Irish dance enthusiasts, Garden Street Irish Step Dancers/Emerald Fire will be on hand, plus the Aherne Sheehan School of Irish Dance, the Kerri Smith Academy of Irish Dance and more.

As for sport, the Hoboken Guards Hurling Club be playing on the field adjacent to Sinatra Park—offering demonstrations of Ireland’s ancient sport, with matches throughout the day. Furthermore, there will be a Youth Soccer Tournament from 9:00am to 11:00am.

Hoboken Guards Hurling

Speaking of the kids, there will be pony rides, horse and carriage rides, sheep shearing, a petting zoo and traditional Irish crafts—plus Irish-themed clothing and food vendors, and an Irish Soda Bread Contest.

And of course, there will be a beer garden—presented by Finnegan’s Irish Pub.

Here is the full schedule for the Irish Festival:

On the main stage at Sinatra Park…

•Opening Remarks, Introductions – 12:00pm
• Colin Nisbet, bagpiper – 12:10pm
• Aherne Sheehan School of Irish Dance – 12:20pm
• Kerri Smith Academy of Irish Dance – 12:50pm
• Remarks by Mayor Zimmer and visiting dignitaries
• Garden Street Irish Step Dancers & Emerald Fire – 1:20pm
• Clan Suibhne – 2pm
• Announce winner of the Irish Soda Bread Contest – 2:50pm
• Gold N’ Brown – 3pm
• McLean Ave. Band – 4:30pm to 5:45pm

Meanwhile, on the sports field adjacent to Sinatra Park…

Youth Events:
11:00-11:30am: U8/U10 – NY Camogie v Philly Camogie
11:30am-12 noon: U12 – NY Camogie v Philly Camogie
12 noon-1:00 pm: Youth Hurling Clinic
1:00pm-1:30pm: U8/U10 – NY Camogie v Philly Camogie
1:30pm-2:00pm: U12 – NY Camogie v Philly Camogie

Adult Events:
2.00pm-3.00pm: Hoboken Camogie v Philly U’14/adults
3.00pm-4.00pm: Hoboken Red Camogie v Hoboken Black Camogie
4.00pm-5.00pm: Manhattan Gaels Men B v Philly Men

For more information, visit the City of Hoboken’s website.