ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SLÁINTE, A NEW FESTIVAL CELEBRATING IRISH HERITAGE
This four-day celebration, produced in partnership with Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, will kick off on St. Patrick’s Day and last through Sun., March 20, 2022
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — ArtsQuest is proud to present Sláinte, a celebration of Irish heritage Thurs., March 17 through Sun., March 20. This new four-day experience is being produced in partnership with Bethlehem’s Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub.
Fiddles and whiskey will take center stage for four days during this festival focused on the music and traditions of the Emerald Isle. With several bands coming over from Ireland and traditional food and whiskey pairings supervised by Neville Gardner, owner and operator of Donegal Square/McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar, Sláinte will be an immersive experience taking the usual St. Patrick’s Day festivities to the next level.
“We are excited to partner with Neville and his team on this new festival,” ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan said. “From the music to the whiskey, this partnership will help us create an authentic celebration of Celtic heritage. This is a great opportunity for our organizations to collaborate.”
Tickets for individual days and events, including VIP single malt whiskey tastings and a Sunday Irish Breakfast, will go on sale in the coming weeks. The festival, taking place at SteelStacks on the SouthSide of Bethlehem, will also feature a fiddle competition and musical performances. Confirmed bands include the traditional Irish music group Lúnasa and Irish folk band The Jeremiahs. A full lineup will be announced soon.
“This is an exciting time for the Lehigh Valley,” Gardner said. “The announcement of Sláinte Festival as a celebration for St. Patrick’s Day and Celtic Culture will help connect many people to their heritage. I’m delighted to be part of this new venture.”
Festival passes are on sale now on steelstacks.org for $79 for ArtsQuest members and $99 for the public. These festival passes include admission to all musical performances. Single day passes and tickets to VIP food and whiskey events will be released soon.
