The Beaver Island Irish Féile was started in 2019, sponsored by the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce as well as multiple private businesses and non-profits on Beaver Island. The Emerald Isle Irish Féile seeks to present authentic and varied Irish inspired activities at its annual festival. Its main objects are to promote economic development by extending the summer tourism season by one week; recognize, showcase, and preserve the island’s unique Irish heritage; and connect with other Irish American communities. The Féile is a showcase for the Irish heritage of Beaver Island, also known as “America’s Emerald Isle.” 

Beaver Island, Michigan is the most remote inhabited island in the Great Lakes, As an unbridged island, the only way to and from travel to Beaver Island is via ferry, airplane or boat. Beaver Island is an amazing place to visit to unwind, unplug and relax. It is also a great place to attend a truly unique Irish Festival.

TICKET SALES ARE CLOSED

Emerald Isle Irish Festival Public Notice August 19, 2023:
No more tickets for the 2023 Feile will be sold. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for those hoping to attend the festival. There was an overwhelming request for tickets this year and we have already stretched our venue capacity limits. We were able to honor all customers whose names were on the waiting list as of August 18th.

Even if you do not have a ticket for the festival, there are many opportunities to enjoy the fun. You can meet the boat on Thursday, September 7th as the Arranmore Pipe Band plays on the deck as it docks with over 125 people from Ireland and Chicago. The Beaver Island Irish American Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday morning is open to the public as are the Currach races at Gillespie Park Beach on Saturday afternoon. Bishop Jeffrey Walsh will celebrate Mass at the Beaver Island-Arranmore Grotto at 5PM on Saturday is also open to the public and will have a special Irish theme. Also, the Children’s area is open to the public.

Thank you all for your enthusiasm for this Festival!

We will have a shuttle service to transport festival attendees from town to the Circle M. on Friday, September 8th from 5-11 p.m. Look for shuttles outside the Beaver Island Community Center (across from the boat dock). Shuttles will be available on Saturday, September 9th from 2:30-9 p.m.

Taxi service is available with B’s Taxi. Her services are available for getting around town and/or pickup and drop off to and from the boat or airport and other places out of town. She can be reached at 989-239-9292. She is unavailable after 5 p.m.

Charlevoix County Transit bus circuit from The Convent to Whiskey Point Brewery hours:

• • Friday noon-7:00
  • Saturday 11:00-7:00

• MAIN STREET BETWEEN BONNER AVENUE AND FOREST STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 AND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 FROM  11AM – 11PM   
  • ACCESS TO BEACH PARKING LOT AND HANDICAP PARKING IS OPEN
  • By permit of Charlevoix County Road Commission Permit # SPEC23009
• Sullivan’s Irish Alley (located near Holy Cross Hall) hours of operation:
  • Thursday noon-3:00
  • Friday noon-dusk
  • Saturday 10:00-dusk
• Charlevoix County Transit bus circuit from The Convent to Whiskey Point Brewery hours:
  • Friday noon-7:00
  • Saturday 11:00-7:00
• Please note all venues have limited capacity. Plan accordingly
• If you are planning to attend Mass at the Arranmore Grotto on at 5pm on Saturday, September 9^th, if possible, bring your own lawn chair.   There will be approximately 50 chairs set up for the elderly and those with mobility issues. 

If you’re looking for information on accommodations, places to eat, car rentals, and shops please check out http://www.beaverisland.org

Feel free to call 231-448-2505 or email chamber@beaverisland.org with questions.