For three decades, the Burlington Irish Heritage Festival has been the heart of Irish-American cultural celebration in Burlington, Vermont, connecting community members to their heritage and enriching the broader regional culture. Founded in 1995 as a grassroots nonprofit initiative, BIHF embodies a commitment to fostering meaningful connections between local artists, historians, musicians, and dancers while honoring the deep Irish traditions that have shaped the Burlington community. What sets this organization apart is its genuine, volunteer-driven approach to cultural preservation—the Festival operates through the dedication of loyal community members who believe in the power of shared cultural experiences to build stronger neighborhoods. The organization recognizes that Irish heritage extends far beyond a single holiday, which is why it actively partners with local schools, libraries, and cultural institutions throughout the year to keep these traditions alive and accessible to everyone. The Burlington Irish Heritage Festival's success reflects the generosity of individual donors, corporate partners, and collaborating organizations who understand the value of celebrating cultural diversity. By bringing together storytellers, musicians, and artists from both local and international backgrounds, BIHF creates spaces where people of all backgrounds can experience authentic Irish culture and connect with their own roots or discover new cultural appreciation. The Festival's 30-year legacy in Burlington demonstrates how a small group of passionate volunteers can sustain meaningful community traditions that enrich the cultural fabric of the region.
Burlington, VT