Back for its 36th year, Milwaukee Irish Fest will offer eight different gate promotions throughout the festival.

Helping make the festival affordable for the entire family, festival goers can take advantage of discounted rates each day of the event, running August 18-21, along Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront.

“Milwaukee Irish Fest strives to be a family friendly event each and every year,” said Patrick Boyle, executive director of Milwaukee Irish Fest. “Through our gate promotions and discounts we try to make the festival more reasonable for everyone in order to meet our mission of sharing Celtic culture and heritage with Milwaukee and the surrounding communities.”

The 2016 gate promotions include:

Children’s Discount – Kids ages 12 and under are always free

Senior Citizens’ Discount – Seniors (60+) get $15 admission (regularly $20)

Thursday Promotion – Free admission with a donation of school supplies for Hope House on Thursday, Aug. 18

Half-Price Friday – $10 general admission on Friday, Aug. 19

Arthritis Foundation Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest – Register for the 2016 Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest and receive free admission before 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20

College Day – College students receive $3 off general admission with a valid student ID between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21

Military Day – Free admission for active, reserve, retired and guard military personnel plus one guest with valid military ID on Sunday, Aug. 16

Fests Feeds Milwaukee – Anyone donating a non-perishable food item by 11 a.m. will receive free admission to the festival. Patrons are welcome to attend the Liturgy for Peace and Justice and will receive free admission to the festival immediately following the service. Those donating food who choose not to attend the service will receive a hand stamp valid for free entry at any time that day during regular festival hours (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

Two-Day Passes for Saturday and Sunday are also available and can be purchased online for only $25. To purchase advance tickets and to learn about special partner promotions and discounts  click here

General admission for the festival is $20, $15 for seniors 60+ and free for kids 12 and under. 

But festival goers have a chance to educate themselves on the Irish arts the week before the festival begins.

The Irish Fest Summer School features classes that showcase the rich culture, history and traditions of Ireland and Irish America, past and present.

Beginners are welcome to try their hand at the Irish fiddle, flute, tin whistle, guitar, harp, Celtic music styles, and more from master musicians.

There are also discussion classes on  Irish history, instruction in Irish language, and the chance to meet people from around the world.

After class there will be regular sessions at O'Donoghuges in Elm Grove that are expected to go into the wee hours.

Enjoy the attached interview between CBS 58's Michele McCormack and CelticMKE Executive Director Patrick Boyle and Summer School organizer Jeff Ksiazek.