Boston, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Seisiún festival will make its comeback in Boston, featuring a diverse lineup of Irish music across two days. Scheduled for September 6-7, the event is headlined by renowned bands like The Pogues and Dropkick Murphys, alongside both established and emerging artists. Organized by Liam Lynch, the festival aims to create a family-friendly atmosphere and celebrate Irish cultural music, appealing to audiences of all ages.
Boston — The Seisiún festival will return to Boston this fall, bringing a multi-day Irish music event headlined by iconic bands and a wider lineup of established and rising artists. The festival is scheduled for September 6–7, 2025 at The Stage at Suffolk Downs and is organized by concert promoter Liam Lynch, who is known for his association with the late-1990s Fleadh festival.
Top-line details
The two-day Seisiún festival will feature headliners including The Pogues and Dropkick Murphys, along with performances by The Scratch, Lisa O’Neill, John Francis Flynn, and Glen Hansard. Additional acts set to appear include The Hold Steady, Waterboys, and Stiff Little Fingers. The event aims to offer a family-friendly environment while also appealing to adult fans of Irish and related music genres.
Supporting information and context
Organizer Liam Lynch has said the festival was inspired by a recent reunion performance by The Pogues in Dublin, leading to plans to revive the Seisiún concept with a mix of veteran acts and emerging talent. Spider Stacy, a co-founder of The Pogues, has indicated enthusiasm about headlining the festival alongside newer artists, framing the event as a blend of generational voices in Irish music.
Programming highlights emphasize both well-known bands and rising performers, reflecting broader trends of growing interest in Irish and Celtic-influenced music. Recent international attention on artists such as Hozier and Fontaines D.C. is noted as part of a wider resurgence in audience interest, which the Seisiún organizers aim to tap into while keeping the event accessible to families.
Festival experience and goals
The Seisiún festival is being positioned as a “fully enjoyable day out,” with an emphasis on providing an inclusive atmosphere suitable for a broad audience. Organizers are balancing the needs of attendees seeking a lively concert experience with those who prefer family-oriented programming. The choice of The Stage at Suffolk Downs is intended to offer a central, established venue for the two-day schedule.
Related local Celtic and folk events
Boston’s summer and fall festival calendar will also include other notable Celtic and folk events. The Boston Celtic Music Festival (BCMFest) is scheduled to return on July 6, 2025, featuring a mix of free outdoor performances and ticketed indoor shows by local musicians. BCMFest will also hold a later edition running January 15–18, 2026, marking its 23rd year and showcasing groups including Altan and Old Blind Dogs.
The Rockport Celtic Festival is slated for September 11–15, 2025 and will spotlight both traditional and contemporary folk music. Artistic director Maeve Gilchrist plans to blend a variety of music styles and performance forms, while fiddler Liz Knowles has been named artist-in-residence for the Rockport festival, bringing additional emphasis to instrumental and collaborative programming.
Local cultural relevance
Speakers associated with the festival have noted Boston’s long-standing role as a cultural center for Irish music in the United States. The Seisiún festival seeks to build on that heritage by presenting established acts alongside emerging performers, aiming to both honor tradition and foster new artistic developments within the Irish and Celtic music scenes.
Logistics and additional notes
Specific ticketing details for the Seisiún festival, including prices and on-sale dates, have not been publicly detailed in the initial announcement. BCMFest organizers have confirmed the dual structure of free outdoor showcases and ticketed indoor events for the July 6, 2025 date. Attendees seeking program updates and ticket information for Seisiún and the surrounding festival season are advised to monitor official event communications as they are released.
FAQ
When and where is the Seisiún festival taking place?
The Seisiún festival is scheduled for September 6–7, 2025 at The Stage at Suffolk Downs in Boston.
Who is organizing the festival?
Concert promoter Liam Lynch, who was associated with the late-1990s Fleadh festival, is organizing the Seisiún event.
Which artists will perform at Seisiún?
Headliners include The Pogues and Dropkick Murphys. Additional performers include The Scratch, Lisa O’Neill, John Francis Flynn, Glen Hansard, The Hold Steady, Waterboys, and Stiff Little Fingers.
Is Seisiún family-friendly?
Organizers aim to create a family-friendly atmosphere while also appealing to adult fans of Irish music.
Are there other related Celtic festivals in the area?
Yes. The Boston Celtic Music Festival (BCMFest) will return on July 6, 2025 with free outdoor and ticketed indoor shows, and later runs January 15–18, 2026. The Rockport Celtic Festival is scheduled for September 11–15, 2025.
Where can I find ticket information?
Ticketing details for Seisiún have not been specified in the initial announcement. BCMFest has confirmed free outdoor performances and ticketed indoor shows for its July date. Interested attendees should look for official event updates for ticket release information.
Quick reference table
| Event | Dates | Location / Venue | Headliners / Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seisiún Festival | September 6–7, 2025 | The Stage at Suffolk Downs, Boston | The Pogues; Dropkick Murphys; The Scratch; Lisa O’Neill; John Francis Flynn; Glen Hansard; The Hold Steady; Waterboys; Stiff Little Fingers | Organized by Liam Lynch; family-friendly focus; ticket details pending |
| Boston Celtic Music Festival (BCMFest) | July 6, 2025 (summer events); January 15–18, 2026 (23rd year) | Boston area venues (outdoor and indoor) | Local Celtic musicians; Altan and Old Blind Dogs (Jan 2026) | Free outdoor performances and ticketed indoor shows for July date |
| Rockport Celtic Festival | September 11–15, 2025 | Rockport area venues | Traditional and contemporary folk artists; artist-in-residence Liz Knowles | Artistic director Maeve Gilchrist to blend styles and forms |
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Additional Resources
- Harvard Square: Boston Celtic Music Festival
- Boston.com: Irish Music Festival
- Grateful Web: Club Passim Announces Festival Lineup
- Medium: Boston Celtic Music Festival Overview
- Boston Globe: Interview with Lindsay O’Donovan
- Wikipedia: Irish Music
- Google Search: Celtic Music Festivals Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Celtic Music
- Google Scholar: Celtic Music Festivals
- Google News: Celtic Festivals Boston
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
