Kilkenny to welcome five American bands to perform for St Patrick's Day Festival

Five American marching bands and one USA concert band will visit the Marble City for St Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025, as part of the City’s free entertainment programme.

Kilkenny is the only county outside the Capital to attract a record number of American marching bands as part of its municipal celebration of Ireland's national holiday. Festival organisers expect to welcome 100,000 tourists across the bank holiday weekend.

Visitors can expect high-octane, vibrant performances to fill the streets with the sounds of brass, percussion, and woodwinds, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all to enjoy.

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St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025 marks a cultural exchange between Ireland and the United States, bringing the tradition and pageantry of American Marching Bands to the heart of the medieval city during the festivities.

Festival Chairperson and Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness commented: 

"Kilkenny is a special place where history, culture, and hospitality come together like nowhere else. We are honoured to welcome so many talented band members from across the Atlantic this year. 

"The bond between Ireland and the USA is built upon shared heritage and friendship, and we're proud to welcome so many visitors who make Kilkenny their home away from home."

Coming to Kilkenny on Saturday, March 15, the Illinois State University Marching Band will bring a high-energy performance to Kilkenny Castle and the streets of Kilkenny.

On Sunday, March 16, performances begin at 10a.m. with the returning marching band, the Legacy Marching Band from Broomfield, Colorado, who previously performed in Kilkenny in 2018.

Hailing from Waukee, Iowa, the Waukee High School Marching Band is a talented and dynamic group known for their precision, impressive musical skills, and vibrant performances.

Stars of the small screen, The University of Central Florida (UCF) Marching Knights have performed in Disney's Christmas Parade, Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, and several football bowl games. Concluding with the Horizon High School Marching Band, an award-winning marching band from Horizon High School in Thornton, Colorado.

A special seated concert will fill the magnificent St. Canice's Cathedral with harmonious sounds from the returning outfit Bayport High School Concert Band.

Kilkenny will be filled with music throughout the St. Patrick's Festival weekend, and thrilling live entertainment.

Families will find an abundance of activities, including the big wheel and vintage fairground, theatre, workshops and pop-up performances, the hypnotic PyroCollective fire show, and two days of free concerts on the festival stage.

The weekend culminates in the big spectacle, the St. Patrick's Day Parade and when the city comes alive with local stories and community spirit against the backdrop of the iconic Kilkenny Castle.

Over 120 events are planned for St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025 from March 14 to 17. For more information, visit St Patrick's Festival Kilkenny.