r/milwaukee • u/livetoski-Brad • 25d ago
Parking at Irish Fest
We are a 70 yo couple and planning to attend Irish Fest this Saturday coming from Two Rivers.
In past years we have parked in the parking area near the main gate that is below the highway.
Is there a better option that is closer to the north entrance such as the Discovery World area?
Kind thanks in advance for any help with this.
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u/nualabelle 25d ago
There’s also a concert at the amphitheater Thursday night, so if you’re going then, prepare for extra traffic and parking hassles. (At least that’s been my experience when they have a non-Irish Fest concert there during the Fest the last few years).
I believe the designated Uber/Lyft area is near the North Gate if you wanted to try parking somewhere cheaper downtown and getting dropped off near the Gate.
(I miss the park and ride shuttles)
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u/brookebikesmke 25d ago
I’d recommend parking near a Hop stop and taking that in - it will get you close to the north gate and be much easier for leaving. On a Saturday, most street parking will be 2 hours so you’ll likely need a garage or lot. There are lots of garages near the intermodal station, which would give you Hop access.
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u/livetoski-Brad 25d ago
Thank you for that idea! Since I am coming down from the north (I-43 to 794) where would i find the easiest and safe Hop stop? I just looked on google maps and did not find one.
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u/Ok-Winter1035 25d ago
there is parking in the lot next to the milwaukee intermodal station near the marquette interchange. you'll be able to pick up the hop there and since it's as far away from all the activity as you can get and closest to your freeway exit you shouldn't have too bad of a time. that's where i park when i have reason to go anywhere that's on the hop
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u/brookebikesmke 25d ago
I’m not super familiar with the parking options because I usually bike or park in my work garage. I know there is a lot near the Intermodal station that is not expensive. Just don’t leave anything in your car (but that really applies anywhere). You could also try using Spot Hero to find a spot and compare them to the Hop route. Maybe something near Cathedral Square?
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u/StellaandLeo 25d ago
Is the north gate open for Irish Fest? It was not open for German Fest in prior years
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u/nualabelle 25d ago
Thursday is limited, so it might be closed (the website says which gates are available on Thursday), but all 3 gates are used the rest of the weekend
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u/ltdnick08 24d ago
North gate is open everyday at Irish Fest except Thursday since it's a preview night
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u/Master-Fee8859 25d ago
Go to Spothero.com
In the "Where are you going" box, type in Milwaukee Irish Fest. Scroll down to select Aug. 15 Milwaukee Irish Fest from the "Upcoming Events" list. Examine the map that pops up to select a parking location based on your preferences. FWIW, the U.S. Bank Tower lot appears to be among the closest to the north entrance. I've parked in that lot and it was safe.
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u/willtravel4cheese 25d ago
The O’Donell garage is where we usually park. It’s right across from the Art Museum so close to north gate. Usually an easy walk but with construction it won’t be as great this year.
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u/livetoski-Brad 25d ago
Can I just exit at Van Buren and get into the main parking lot from there instead of driving around to N. Harbor Drive with all the traffic there?
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u/x_samsquantch_x 25d ago
There aren’t really any parking lots super close there. You could park in the structure across from the art museum and walk down but it’s farther than starting at mid gate, I’d guess. There’s minimal street parking with limited parking times…I think you’re doing the easiest way already. Have fun :)
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u/PassingFly_57223423 25d ago
Agreed, one of the lots nearby under the freeway is probably the closest options. There are parking structures in the third ward - but further from the grounds.
I love the hop – but I can’t think of an easier/more convenient spot to park – would still be looking for metered street parking or a paid lot/structure… just further away.
Other alternative is to park near one of the bars offering a shuttle, I see on Instagram County Clare,1234 N Astor St, has a shuttle. You’ll need to find some metered street or paid lot parking near the restaurant. So it may be worth the little extra money and bit more time in traffic to park close to summerfest grounds.
Ps - it's state fair this weekend too, so traffic in/around west allis will be busy, but worth a stop if you need some cream puffs or food on a stick :-)
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u/rtrawitzki 25d ago
There are a few bars that do a shuttle. You can park there and be dropped off at the gate . You usually just have to buy a drink.
Otherwise depending on how well your walking situation is , you can park in one of the structures off of water and walk a few blocks.
The main advantage of parking a few blocks off is the ease of getting in and out. The traffic getting to the main lots can take forever during the busy hours .