Weston Irish Festival
It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the cancellation of the 2020 Weston Irish Festival. We had delayed what seemed an inevitable conclusion in hope for a change in climate around COVID-19, but it has become clear that there is no way to have a safe and responsible event this fall. That said, we, and our town, are still here, and we count on your responsible patronage to survive. Consider coming to visit us. Bring your mask, your patience, and your sense of humor. It’s a tough time to be in the hospitality industry. We love you all and we’ll see you soon!!
About the Festival
The Weston Irish Festival began in 2000 as a one-day event which drew an attendance of 1500 people. As the first act took the stage, on what had been a beautiful morning, the clouds rolled in and by the end of the day had dumped three inches of rain on the festival. In the true spirit of the Irish however, the audience stuck it out, the musicians did all they could by playing impromptu sets wherever there was a reasonably dry spot in between the rain showers, and everyone managed to still have a great time.
Since then the event has grown to a three-day festival and has featured many of the greatest acts in Irish Music including, The Dublin City Ramblers, The Makem/Spain Brothers, Young Dubliners, Seven Nations, The Elders, Screaming Orphans, Connie Dover, The Prodigals, The Mickey Finns, The Fenians, and Brigid’s Cross. The attendance has experienced a steady growth to about 10,000 people in 2010, which is a lively crowd but still retains the intimate feel of a small town festival.
Festival Schedule
About the Venue
The venue for the Weston Irish Festival is the underground cellars of the Weston Brewing Company at O’Malley’s Pub, the America Bowman Restaurant, and the pub’s adjacent outdoor Courtyard and Patio. The main Courtyard Stage is surrounded by a grassy area which provides a relaxed atmosphere for blankets and lawn chairs and it’s gentle slope creates a natural amphitheater offering everyone a great view of the stage as well as great sound. A large tent in the back of the area provides shade and shelter.
The three indoor cellars provide two stages of entertainment and offer a truly intimate atmosphere which allows the artists to offer a completely different pub show as compared to the festival sets that they perform on the outdoor stage.
Lodging Info
Hotels
QUALITY INN & SUITES – PLATTE CITY
1201 Branch Street
Platte City, MO 64079
816-858-5430
RAMADA BY WYNDHAM
2512 NW Prairie View Road
Platte City, Mo 64079
816.858.0200
SUPER 8 PLATTE CITY
2500 NW Prairie View Rd
Platte City, Mo 64079
816.858.2888
BEST WESTERN PLUS – KANSAS CITY AIRPORT
11130 N. Ambassador Dr.
Kansas City, MO / 64153
816-891-9111
Block of rooms at special rates for Irish Festival ($94.00 plus taxes)
Guests need to call the hotel directly (number above) and ask for the Irish Festival rate. Rates include WIFI access, vehicle parking and hot breakfast.
Shuttle service to be provided twice daily, approximately ½ hour before gates opening and pick up at the close.
Shuttle is $30.00 round trip per day, per room, based on two people per room
(should there be a third or fourth person, additional charges will apply for the shuttle)
Accommodations in Weston
Visit WestonMo.com for information on Weston’s Bed & Breakfast accommodations. Check with them quickly because they will rent out fast!
Camping
Weston Bend State Park
About 2 miles from O’Malley’s, offering basic and electric campsites, modern restrooms, hot showers and laundry facilities.
http://www.mostateparks.com/westonbend.htm
Basswood Country Resort
About 15 minutes from Weston, offering basic Tent Sites.
816.858.5556
http://www.basswoodresort.com/
Shuttle & Taxi Services
Shuttle
HOTEL SHUTTLE SERVICE AVAILABLE
The Comfort Inn is providing shuttle service to/from the hotel and the festival. Please inquire when making your reservation. Guests at the Best Western and Super 8 may also contact the Quality Inn to check availability and rates for shuttle service to/from those hotels.
SATURDAY SHUTTLE IN WESTON
For those parking in and around the City of Weston there will be a shuttle on Saturday running from 12:00PM to 12:00AM. This shuttle has no set schedule or route, but when you see it, you can flag it down to make your walk to the festival a little shorter. The shuttle will make stops at major intersections to return you as close to your vehicle as possible. This shuttle is provided at no charge.
Taxi & Limousine Service:
913.682.7200 Veteran’s Cab Company
816.471.1234 Carey Limousine of KC (Magic Bus, Limos)
816.690.6100 Kool Nites Limousine, Inc. (Theme Buses, Limos)
816.741.4023 Laidlaw Transit (School Buses) – Parkville
913.897.2347 Laidlaw Transit (School Buses) – Blue Valley
913.782.1050 Laidlaw Transit (School Buses) – Olathe
816.765.3100 Laidlaw Transit (School Buses) – South Kansas City
Parking:
Parking is available throughout the quaint 1837 town and the short stroll to the festival gives visitors a chance to see many of Weston’s antebellum homes and buildings, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Please be respectful of Weston’s residents and obey all parking signs to avoid being ticketed.
Festival Hours
Friday
TBD
Saturday
TBD
Sunday
TBD