Frequently Asked Questions
The 9th Annual GAIF is produced by the Great American Irish Festival, Inc., a non-profit organization comprised solely of volunteers (approximately 750 this year) whose goal is to establish the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley. Proceeds from the event will be dedicated to obtaining this goal, hopefully in the very near future. We also think that an international caliber festival in the middle of the summer in Central NY is a fabulous idea!
The 2024 festival will again be held at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort, NY, (just east of Utica) on the last weekend in July.
Dates this year are:
Friday night July 26th 5 pm - 11 pm;
Saturday July 27th noon - 11 pm
Ranger Run 5K at 10:00 am;
EUSPBA sanctioned Bagpipe Band Competition starting at Noon. Massed March at 4:30 pm.
Sunday July 28th noon - 5 pm.
Irish Mass at the Contemporary Stage on Sunday morning at 10:30 am. Free Sunday admission to Mass attendees.
Advance sale:
Full weekend: (Friday 5 - 11 pm; Saturday noon -11 pm; Sunday noon - 5 pm) $30
Friday: $12
Saturday: $15
Sunday: $12
At the gate:
Friday night only: $15
Saturday only: $20
Sunday only: $15
Children 12 and under FREE
Yes. Parties of 20 or more are encouraged to contact us for group pricing information. We will also make every effort to accommodate tour busses. E-mail us at:
[email protected]
There are a variety of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in the greater Utica-Herkimer area. For additional information on lodging, please visit our accommodations page for links.
A standard site is $50. (See ticket link on website) Sites are expected to be sold out quickly.
Please note: Your campsite pass DOES NOT include admission to the event. All persons purchasing camping passes are required to contact Camping Coordinator Mark Holleran at:
[email protected] to reserve your specific site. Certain areas will be designated as more quiet than others. Sites requiring power will be charged an additional $30 for the weekend (Friday and Saturday nights).
There will be no more than 6 people per site.
No campfires.
A full list of Camping Rules is available via the Rules link on the home page.
Yes. A limited number of campsites are available on site with hookups for water and electric. There are also sites with no hookups. A dump station is located at the exit and there will be portable toilet facilities in the camping area. Additionally, the fairgrounds are equipped with a recently built bathroom building which will be available for morning showers. Campsite passes must be purchased.
Our two main stages, the regional stage and cultural building are completely under cover for both performers and patrons. All of the merchandise vendors are indoors and food vendors provide their own tents for cover from the elements. Wee Folks and Teen Zone are also under cover.
The month of July normally brings some of the most wonderful weather that beautiful Upstate New York has all year. Although, you might not know it from the tornado watches that we endured in years 1,3 and 5. The good news is, that despite some horrendous and very uncharacteristic weather, our shows went on.
While we'll always try to exercise good judgement in adverse circumstances, it would literally take a natural disaster for us to cancel the show. Trust us - you'll want to leave before we choose to shut down!
Yes. Photos may be taken for personal use only. Photos of performers are acceptable as long as you remain away from the stage and DO NOT USE A FLASH. The making of any kind of audio recording of any of the performers is strictly prohibited, as is the use of any performer photo for commercial purposes.
No. For the safety of your pet and the patrons of the festival, pets are not permitted to enter the event site, with the exception of guide dogs.
No. There will be a wide variety of food vendors offering reasonably-priced foods. There are two beer vending sites and non-alcoholic beverages available at the food vendor locations throughout the festival. Infant supplies will, of course, be allowed. Security will check all bags at the gate.
Absolutely NO alcohol will be allowed either in or out.
All parking is on the Fairgrounds property and is a short walk to our admission gates. Please follow the direction of our fine parking attendants, who are largely members of the Notre Dame High School Basketball Team. (You might also thank them for getting this job done in the hot sun while eating dust.)
Yes. The event is held on ground level with no stairs to impede handicapped patrons. Handicapped parking is adjacent to the main admissions gate.
Yes. There will be well-stocked ATM's. They will be located at the Main Gate, in the Administration Bldg, the Merchandise Vendor bldg., and near the token booth. The locations are detailed on the festival map in our festival guide. However, patrons are encouraged to bring cash with them. Many, but not all, vendors will accept credit/debit cards. Check with individual vendors prior to making any purchases.
Yes. There will be inflatables and games as well some children-oriented entertainers, and perhaps a few other surprises for the kids. These activities will conclude at dark. Children should be supervised at all times.
Candidates are welcome to come to the event and shake the hands of our thousands of attendees, but we do not allow any political booths or political handouts on the festival fairgrounds or parking areas. The festival corporation, as a non-profit, can not take sides for any particular candidate, and will not do so.