North Texas Irish Festival
Dallas, Texas

Where: Fair Park, Dallas

When: early March

A hundred thousand welcomes--or Cáed míle fáilte --to the largest celebration of Irish culture in the Southwest! From its humble pub origins in the early 1980s, this Celtic compilation of music, dance and traditional cuisine has matured into an annual event which attracts internationally-known performers, up-and-coming recording artists eager to hone their craft, and a gathering over 35,000 strong who proudly proclaim "Erin go Bragh!"

Activities: From ancient melodies to contemporary Celtic rock, the music of the Emerald Isle is showcased at the In The Tradition stage inside Centennial Hall. If the rhythm makes you feel like dancing, head over to the Emerald stage, where dance troupes slip on ghillies and hard shoes to perform jubilant jigs and reels, and beginners and professionals alike can kick up their heels on Saturday night during a three-hour ceili.

Whet your appetite for all things Irish at one of the many food booths, where Irish stew, Shepherd's Pie and fish and chips are served, then set out in search of that special sporran or claddagh ring on sale at the numerous vendor stalls.

Workshops: Musicians can brush up on their bodhran skills during one of the series of workshops held on the Tara stage. Experts will also be on hand to pass on their knowledge of the fiddle, flute, Gaelic language and traditional Irish songs.

Children's Activities: Storytellers surely blessed with the gift of Blarney weave tales of Celtic lore at the Urchin Street Faire, an area where wee ones can tap their toes to the beat of Celtic-tinged children's tunes or make a new four-footed friend at the Petting Zoo.

For more information:

• visit www.ntif.org