Iowa Irish Fest 2020 is Canceled

The 2020 edition of Iowa's annual festival known as Iowa Irish Fest is officially canceled.

In a press release sent to this station, Chad Shipman, Iowa Irish Fest director referenced a recent social distancing extension signed by Gov. Reynolds and stated,

This declaration end-date may possibly be extended again — and is too close to our fest start date to allow our committee and our wonderful fans and artists from around the world to properly plan for the festival.

Irish Fest was scheduled for July 31 through August 2 in downtown Waterloo. the press release ends with Shipman stating the committee is looking forward to the next Iowa Irish Fest which will be held August 6-8, 2021 in Waterloo.

With all the patrons, volunteers and bands needed to make Irish Fest a reality, following social distancing guidelines would be near impossible.