IRISHFEST: AUGUST 8, 2026

Performances run back to back. After each performance, we will head directly over to the next stage as a group.

• 11:00-11:30 am – Main Stage
• 11:45-12:15 pm – Cultural Tent
• 12:30-1:00 pm – Wee Folks Tent*
• 1:00-1:20 pm – Wee Folks Tent Irish Dance Lessons (instructed by AAD level 3-5 dancers and staff)

*not all classes will perform on this stage due to the size of this stage, classes will be determined in August.

Dancers should arrive NO LATER than 10:30 am. Dancers will travel from one stage to the next as a group. Please bring everything you need backstage before the first performance.

We have condensed the number of rehearsals into just 2 rehearsals this year! Dancers who plan to perform MUST attend both rehearsals in order to perform at Irishfest unless prior notice is approved. Dancers should attend the rehearsal slot based on their 2024-2026 class enrollment.

Tuesday and Wednesday are reserved for solos, duets and trio rehearsals.

• Dress rehearsal is held at AAD.
• Dancers should only BRING their costume, and all accessories, to dress rehearsal to ensure everyone has the correct items. Costume do not have to be worn.
• Dancers should BRING wigs and hair pieces. They do not have to be worn.
• Please do an inventory before rehearsals, in July, just in case something needs to be ordered.

• Costumes will be the same as recital, except a summer Irish tank leotard will should be worn so our dancers do not overheat. Please indicate on your RSVP if you dancer needs a tank leotard.
• If you returned your costume to AAD, it will be available for pickup during Irishfest rehearsals.
• Please do not wear your shoes on the concrete. Bring a pair of slip-on shoes to protect them while walking from stage to stage.

Tuition covers all rehearsals, performances and the dancer’s admission.

• $30
• -$15 discount for those students enrolled in Irish Intensity

• Dancers are admitted free of charge.
• Tickets are available at the gate. Discounted tickets can be purchased in advanced; https://www.irishfestlacrosse.org/ticket-sales .
• Upon arrival, dancers may have to check in at the Volunteer Trolly outside the main Oktoberfest entrance. A list of dancers will be provided to Irishfest for ease of entry.

We’re excited to share that AAD will be sponsoring the Wee Folks Tent at Irishfest this summer—and we need your help!

We’re looking for both parents/family members and dancers/friends to volunteer for short, 2-hour shifts throughout the weekend. It’s a fun and easy way to be part of the excitement, connect with other AAD families, and support our studio in a big way.

Perks include:
• Free 3-day admission to Irishfest for every 2 hour shift 
• Service hour opportunities for students
• A fun, community-focused experience alongside your dancer while supporting AAD

Volunteer Duties include:
• Overseeing games and tickets
• Distributing prizes
• Dancers will have the unique opportunity to hold Irish dance lessons and facepaint during their shift too!

We’ll offer flexible scheduling and work around AAD performance times so you can still enjoy the performances!

More details and sign-up info coming soon—we hope you’ll join us for this fun and rewarding opportunity!

Performing a solo or extra small group number at Irishfest is fun & rewarding!  Each routine/solo will perform 3 times at Irishfest! The experience is like no other!  A solo is a wonderful way to showcase individual talents and strengths! Performance slots are limited and will be assigned on a first come basis.

In order to ensure all participants are well-prepared for Irishfest and able to represent themselves and AAD in the best way possible, AAD has the following procedure for all students performing a solo at Irishfest:

1. Review and understand all guidelines below and register below.
2. AAD will set you up with an instructor based on schedule and good stylistic match.
3. Set up all rehearsals via Facebook message or in person no later than July 5th.
4. Attend private lessons. Each dancer must attend a minimum of 3-6 private lessons based on the dancer’s age, skill level, and preparation necessity.
5. Utilize studio time for personal practice time, as available. Free.
6. Each solo/extra small group number will be given roughly a 1-1:30 min stage time.
7. Have fun!

Private Lessons Cost: $29/half hour/dancer

Studio Space Cost: Free, unless staff is required to open studio during regularly closed hours. $10/per hour.

*A fee of $15 will be charged for missed or forgotten scheduled rehearsals.

It is important that our dancers continue to show the high quality of performance, full of excitement, that AAD is is known for! Since there are limited rehearsals, all Irishfest practices listed above are mandatory for all participating students.

So we can be fully prepared, please fill out the form below to SECURE or DECLINE your dancer’s particiapation in Irishfest no later than July 17!