Franciscan University’s annual Irish Fest took place on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 7 to 11p.m. in Finnegan Fieldhouse. 

Students entered to instrumental and traditional Irish songs playing from the speakers.

While waiting for Scythian, a bluegrass folk band located around Washington DC, they enjoyed appetizers of meatballs, soft pretzels, cheese sauces, tater tots and a sweet, light chocolate pudding. Students of 21 years and older also savored alcoholic beverages. 

Acaciawood, a folk trio with beautiful harmonies, opened the night at 7:30p.m. with “Lonely Ghost.” They performed to a small knot of students swaying and singing in front of the stage while the rest of the attendees gathered in small groups around the floor to socialize with their friends. 

The groups gathered into one large circle when two Franciscan students, sophomore Julia Atkinson and senior Kalie Smith, performed Irish Step Dance to a classical piece and then to a rendition of “Tell Me Ma.” 

The students did not wait for long after that for the main attraction of the night. The house lights went black as Scythian climbed on the stage. Colored lights lit up the stage as the band of Franciscan alumni, Ethan Dean, Johnny Rees, and brothers Alexander Fedoryka and Danylo Fedoryka, took up their places. 

The crowd drew close to the front of the stage, smiling, clapping and cheering. Scythian started with a lively song followed by the Irish Polka. 

Students held up their imaginary pints of Guinness and danced. They clapped to the beat, jumped and laughed until the night ended.