🍀 Discover An Rí Rá — Butte’s Beloved Irish Festival
Discover An Rí Rá — Butte’s Beloved Irish Festival
Every August, Butte transforms into a slice of Ireland under the Montana sky. An Rí Rá, Gaelic for “king of revelry,” is hands-down the crown jewel of summer cultural festivals in our part of the world.
What Does An Rí Rá Mean?
Literally, An Rí Rá means “the uproar” or “the whoop and holler of a good time” in Irish. It perfectly captures this festival’s essence: lively music, dance that starts your toes tapping, hearty storytelling, and that buzzing communal joy that only comes when people gather to honor heritage—and maybe enjoy a wee pint (or three).
From Humble Roots to Uptown Spectacle
What began as a small street gathering in historic Uptown Butte has blossomed into a free, three-night celebration at the Original Mine Yard, nestled beneath one of Butte’s iconic headframes TravelArk 2.0+14An Ri Ra+14Facebook+14Facebook+3Celt
Still 100% free, still powered by volunteers and community (with help from raffles, donations, and sponsors – all to keep the magic flowing) .
Irish Heritage in America — And So Deep in Butte
By the early 1900s, Irish immigrants—fleeing famine and seeking opportunity—made up about 25% of Butte’s population . They worked the copper mines, organized unions, shaped local politics—and brought traditions that still echo today TravelArk 2.0+8montanaconnectionspark.
Marcus Daly, the famed “Copper King,” also hailed from Ireland’s Cavan County, tying Irish roots directly into Butte’s destiny Wikipedia. The result? A community where Irish dance schools teach, Irish Americans lead public office, and the heart of the city still drifts on the sound of a jig.
Festival Highlights & Schedule — Mark Your Calendar!
An Rí Rá 2025
August 8–10, 2025, Original Mine Yard, Uptown Butte TravelArk 2.0+4An Ri Ra+4southwestmt.com+4
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Fri, August 8 | 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Sat, August 9 | 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Sun, August 10 | Schedule TBD (full-day festivities) |
Set your lawn chair under the old headframe, bring an umbrella for shade, and prepare for a feast of Celtic music, dance, workshops, author talks, and artisan vendors Songkick+6southwestmt.com+6eld
Extras to Watch For:
Irish language, storytelling, and history workshops
A raffle (cash prizes or gift cards) around “The Scattering” on Saturday night An Ri Ra
Food, crafts & Celtic goods from local vendors celebrating heritage
Why You Should Go
It’s free, family-friendly, and FUN
You’ll experience world-class Irish musicians & dancers on a dramatic stage built beneath a copper headframe
It’s a living tribute to the Irish people whose sacrifices built Butte—mining, unionizing, and forging community montanaconnectionspark.com+1Wi
kipedia+1 You might meet folks from Ireland itself—in 2025, a delegation from Cork, Cavan, and Waterford returned to walk the streets their ancestors did in the 1800s NonStop Local Montana
A Toast to Butte’s Irish Heart
The festival isn’t just about music and dance—it’s a celebration of emigrant resilience, cultural pride, and the blending of Irish tradition with Montana grit. It’s about honoring our past while dancing boldly into the future.
Want to Plan the Perfect Weekend?
Stay nearby: Uptown Butte hotels like Finlen, Miner's Boutique, or local B&Bs are just minutes from the action southwestmt.com+1Wikipedia+1. Grab a pasty and feel the history around you.
Park smart: Free shuttles run through Uptown—Park Street garage is a great starting point .
Bring your Irish spirit: Don a shamrock, sync your feet to the reels, and prepare to add a touch of Montana magic to your ancestral roots.
Final Word: Be Part of the Uproar
This August, come for the jigs, stay for the stories, and walk away with a full heart and a stronger sense of community.
As the Irish say, “May the road rise to meet you.” Let it meet you in Butte.
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