St. Patrick's Open Day 2026

Guests of all ages can enjoy traditional Irish music and dance performances, sample Irish language lessons, watch short films by famed Irish animation company Cartoon Saloon, take part in storytime from Children’s Books Ireland and Books of Wonder, sing along to a concert by urban cowboy Hopalong Andrew, make arts and crafts, and more, at our 26th annual open house.

Admission is free, but reservations are required.

“Irish Arts Center’s annual extravaganza ... An Irish favorite for kids and parents”—TIME OUT NEW YORK 

SCHEDULE

THE DEVLIN CAFÉ
Traditional Music and Dance All Day

THE JL GREENE THEATRE
Film Screening, Music and Dance Performances, and Lessons 

12:05pm–12:30pm: Film Screening // Cartoon Saloon’s newest animated short film, Eiru, shortlisted for the 2026 Academy Awards
12:45pm–1:15pm: Step dance performance and lesson // The Aherne-Sheehan School of Irish Dance
1:30pm–2:15pm: Music performance // Hopalong Andrew
2:30pm–2:55pm: Film Screening // Cartoon Saloon’s newest animated short film, Eiru, shortlisted for the 2026 Academy Awards
3:04pm–4pm: Music and dance performance// IAC Community Céilí Band and set dance demonstration and lesson with Dan Hunt 

STUDIO CLASSROOM
Arts and Crafts and Film Screenings // Celebrate the award-winning Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon with activities inspired by their award-winning films.

LIBRARY CLASSROOM
Sample Classes and Workshops

12:15pm–12:45pm: Irish Story Time, in partnership with Children’s Books Ireland (Ireland) and Books of Wonder (NYC)
1pm–1:30pm: Irish language 101 for everyone
1:45pm–2:15pm: Storytelling with The Hearth Ireland 
2:30pm–3pm: Irish language 101 for everyone
3:15pm–3:45pm: Storytelling with The Hearth Ireland 

Presented with generous support from Culture Ireland, the National Endowment of the Arts, and the Emigrant Support Programme.