Cost: $14 per day ($8 in advance until July 9)

Organizer: Irish-American Heritage Center

What to expect: Live Irish and American music on five stages, folk dancing, food and more.

Why to go: The Mashed Potato Eating Contest is perhaps the most unique thing going. The music lineup is also solid, including Gaelic Storm, The Tossers, Screaming Orphans and more.

Additional info: Irish and American food is available throughout the weekend, and dozens of vendors and artisans will be selling Irish clothing, music and jewelry. There's also the Hooley Hook-Up, a matchmaking event with live music, and the Sham-ROCK Stars Singing Contest for kids and adults.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein