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Irish Center SF’s 2nd Annual “Rock the Gates” Festival (2023)

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Saturday, August 26, 2023 - 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Cost: $35*
*Children up to age 18 get in free.

United Irish Cultural Center | 2700 45th Ave, San Francisco, CA

Event Details

Full line-up and (stage schedule soon) here.

Back for our second year with an impressive line-up of sound and entertainment, our family-friendly music festival has something for everyone!

Join us on Saturday, August 26 from 2-10 pm at the Irish Center for fun for the whole family! Featuring multiple stages (Wawona Gates, St. Patrick’s Room, and the Emerald Pub), this festival will showcase a variety of bands from tribute bands, Irish favorites, and also feature Irish Dancing from some of our local dance schools. Face painting and bounce house for kids during the afternoon hours, Irish Shoppe and other vendors, a Clonakilty Whiskey Workshop, Wawona Gates—and more!

The entertainment line-up includes (stage schedules will be announced closer to the event):

  • Avalon Rising (Celtic/Medieval Rock)
  • Bluesadelix (Psychedelic Blues Rock)
  • Mangobus (Acoustic Rock)
  • Darren Kiely (Irish Folkpop Singer-Songwriter)
  • Dirty Spoon (Classic Rock)
  • Karl McHugh (Irish Singer-Songwriter)
  • L.A.vation (U2 tribute)
  • Menagerie Bay (Soul, Blues, Reggae, Rock and Roll)
  • The Gas Men (Irish Trad)
  • The Kavanaugh Brothers Celtic Experience (Irish, Folk, and Americana)
  • The Hooks (Celtic-inspired Rock)
  • The Irish Pipers
  • Local Irish Dancers

Other Attractions:

  • Clonakilty Whiskey Workshop—sign up in advance/space is limited
  • Classic Car Display
  • Art Exhibit
  • Keepers of the Steps Info Booth and Collection Site
  • Kid-friendly activities including face-painting and jumpy house
  • The Irish Center’s own Irish Shoppe with tasty treats from Ireland
  • Various vendors
  • Food/Drink concessions

Musical line-up offers something for everyone!

Avalon Rising (Celtic/Medieval Rock)

The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere progressive Celtic/Medieval rock band!

Bluesadelix (Psychedelic Blues Rock)

Bay Area original psychedelic blues rock band straight from the heart of Generation Jones whose mission it is to “make you dance until your liver quivers and your backbone groans!”

Mangobus (Acoustic Rock)

Covering the classics from the 60s through today!

Darren Kiely (Irish Folkpop Singer-Songwriter)

Hailing from Co. Cork and now residing in New York, Darren Kiely is one of the top singer-songwriters of his generation

Dirty Spoon (Classic Rock)

Keeping it real. Real 80s.

Karl McHugh (Irish-born Singer-Songwriter)

Karl McHugh’s folk/rock songwriting is a fusion of his upbringing in Donegal, Ireland and his current home in the San Francisco Bay Area.

L.A.vation (Ultimate U2 Tribute)

The World’s Greatest Tribute to U2

Menagerie Bay (Soul, Blues, Reggae, Rock and Roll)

Playing original soul, R&B, funk, reggae, and rock, adding covers ranging from Dusty Springfield to Prince, Menagerie Bay sets just the right mood for your special occasion.

The Gas Men (Irish Trad)

The Gas Men have been playing traditional Irish music in the Bay Area and beyond for the past 25 years.

The Hooks (Celtic-inspired Rock)

The Hooks are a Celtic-inspired rock band from the Emerald Isle that will leave you spellbound.

The Kavanaugh Brothers and the Celtic Experience (Irish, Folk, and Americana)

Celtic Music with an attitude rocking Irish, Folk, and Americana music genres.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: $35*
*Children up to age 18 get in free.
Categories: Eating & Drinking, Fairs & Festivals, Fun & Games, In Person, Kids & Families, Live Music
Address: 2700 45th Ave, San Francisco, CA