Hanceville Irish Festival returning for 9th year; vendor, sponsor signups underway
Hosted by Friends of the Festival, the one-day celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing live music, food vendors, arts and crafts and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of the city.
In 2024, the eighth annual celebration drew a spirited crowd to historic downtown, with local vendors, musicians and food trucks lining Commercial and Bangor Streets.
Festival organizer and (now) Hanceville Mayor Nolan Bradford reflected on the event’s continued momentum in prior coverage by The Cullman Tribune.
“This is our seventh year, and the festival continues to grow each year,” Bradford said at the time, noting the event’s role in boosting downtown activity and community pride.
According to Tribune coverage, the 2024 festival featured the event’s largest vendor turnout yet, with more than 70 vendors participating and drawing families, music lovers and visitors from neighboring counties.
Participants enjoyed food trucks, face painting, inflatables and a slate of local musical acts, helping create an atmosphere that blended Celtic culture with small-town festivity.
Applications are now being accepted for vendors wishing to participate in the 2026 festival, with a deadline of March 7, 2026.
Single 10×10 spaces are $30. Double 10×20 spaces are $60. Spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. No refunds will be issued.
Organizers note that while limited power may be available with advanced notice, vendors are responsible for their own tents, tables and displays. Generators are not permitted near stage areas.
Setup will be between 5:30-8:30 a.m. the morning of the event. Vendors must ensure booths do not block streets, businesses or parking access.
Applications may be mailed to Friends of the Festival. P.O. Box 600, Hanceville, AL 35077.
Vendors may contact Nolan Bradford at 205-249-5588 or FriendsOfTheFestivalAL@gmail.com with questions.
Sponsorship opportunities available
Local businesses and individuals can also support the event through sponsorship levels ranging from $50 to $1,000.
Sponsors must register by March 1, 2026, to be included on the official sponsor banner.
Organizers said sponsorships help cover festival costs and ensure the event remains accessible to the public.
Over the years, the Hanceville Irish Festival has become a springtime staple for families, musicians and artisans. The event gives local entrepreneurs and performers a platform while drawing visitors from across Cullman County and beyond.
From live music to handcrafted goods and festival food, the event offers something for every age group.
The 2026 Hanceville Irish Festival will take place Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in downtown Hanceville.
Hanceville Irish Festival: A look back
2018 – The beginning
The inaugural Hanceville Irish Festival launches in downtown Hanceville as a community-driven event organized by Friends of the Festival. The goal: create a family-friendly celebration that supports local businesses and builds civic pride.
2019 – Building momentum
Vendor participation increases, live music expands and attendance grows as word spreads across Cullman County.
2020 – Pandemic pause
Like many events statewide, the festival is impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Planning adjusts as organizers work to preserve the long-term future of the event.
2021 – Return and recovery
The festival returns with renewed energy. Community support strengthens as residents show up in force to support local vendors and musicians.
2022 – Expansion year
Vendor space fills quickly. More artisans, food trucks and performers join the lineup, signaling steady growth.
2023 – Regional draw
Visitors from surrounding counties attend in larger numbers. Downtown foot traffic increases throughout the day, benefiting brick-and-mortar businesses.
2024 – Largest vendor turnout to-date
More than 70 vendors participate, marking the largest vendor presence in festival history. Organizers note continued growth in both crowd size and sponsor support.
2025 – Continued growth
The festival cements itself as a spring tradition in Hanceville, blending Celtic-inspired celebration with local culture and small-town hospitality.
2026 – Ninth annual celebration
Set for March 14, 2026, the festival continues its mission of bringing live music, food, arts and crafts to downtown Hanceville while supporting local businesses and community partnerships.
Get more info at www.facebook.com/hancevilleirishfest.
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