"To promote and celebrate all aspects of Irish, Irish American and Celtic cultures, and to instill in current and future generations an appreciation of their heritage." That's the mission statement of the Milwaukee Irish Fest, which makes claim to being the largest festival of its kind in the world!

The four-day-long festival returns to Henry Maier Festival Park on Thursday, Aug. 18, bringing with it the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of Irish culture. A wide range of entertainment, performances, food, and activities is on the agenda, from Irish dancing and a Celtic music to traditional sporting events and special exhibits, Festival-goers can shop Irish handicrafts, discover their ancestors with the help of pro genealogists, rock out to live music, and tip back a Guinness, all in one day! For the little ones, there's make-and-take crafts, a dog show, games, and even a Leprechaun Village.

General admission tickets to the Milwaukee Irish Fest cost $20. Thursday and Friday tickets are the best deal, offered at $5 a $10, respectively. You can also purchase a two-day pass, which grants you festival access on Saturday and Sunday for just $25!

Milwaukee Irish Fest 2016
When: Aug. 18-21
Where: Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Dr. Milwaukee, WI
Cost: General Admission, $20; Senior (60+), $15; Kids 12 and under, free
irishfest.com/Irishfest.htm

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Chris_Parfitt