Sustainability remained a priority and more than 4,300 pounds of waste was collected, a 45% increase from 2017. A social media campaign #DIFGems, was executed on Instagram and reached nearly 40,000 people. An Economic Impact Study showed that the Festival brought $8.5 million dollars benefitting the Central Ohio community.

The Festival featured many international bands, hosting entertainers from Ireland, Canada, Scotland, Italy and France. More than $130,000 was given back to local nonprofit organizations, including nearly $20,000 and 9 tons of food for the Dublin Food Pantry. More than 10,000 people downloaded the new Dublin Irish Festival app. The media campaign “Illustrate Ireland” had a 36% increase from the previous year’s release and was viewed in Ireland, England, Austria, China, Canada, France, Germany and more. The Festival was honored by the International Festival and Events Association with 19 Pinnacle Awards.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the City of Dublin to cancel the 33rd annual Dublin Irish Festival. There was a virtual 5K, a Rainbow Hunt in Coffman Park and special commemorative merchandise. Some of the best shows and cultural presentations from years past were streamed online so fans could still celebrate at home. The first Dublin Irish Festival Golf Outing took place to raise funds for scholarships.

The Festival hosted Dublin Irish Days, a socially distanced, city-wide celebration. Dublin Irish Days brought people together to celebrate and build community in a safe way and reestablished relationships with partners, sponsors and volunteers.

Coffman Park featured Irish music concerts as well as an Irish theater production, “The Irish and How They Got That Way.” Downtown Dublin hosted the Irish Festival retail vendors, music and Irish dancing. A new beverage payment process was used this year, as guests no longer needed to purchase tokens. This streamlined process reduced wait times, cash handling and touchpoints.

The Festival celebrated its 35th anniversary by coming home to Coffman Park. After two years of alternate events, the park was filled with Irish dance, music, food and shopping once again. A pop-up Irish consulate was hosted by the Irish Consulate of Chicago to engage with guests. To increase the Festivals sustainability efforts, two Quench Buggies were located on Festival grounds saving 17,664 water bottles throughout the weekend. The Hero Hut, covered rest area, provided veterans resource information and light refreshments for active and retired members of all military branches and first responders. New and returning guests were excited to be a part of tradition 35 years in the making.