Sunday 15th March 2026
Location: Kilkenny Castle Park, Castle Road, Kilkenny
St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny is delighted to welcome back the Marching Illini from the University of Illinois!

Since 1868 the University of Illinois Marching Illini has entertained millions of fans with traditional and innovative performances. Always a favourite at the Kilkenny festival the Marching Illini have been visiting Ireland since 1992. Their 2026 visit will be under Band Director Professor Barry L . Houser.

Over 380 performers will make the trip to Ireland during which time they will serve as musical ambassadors, sharing traditions, artistry, and school spirit while engaging with Irish culture and audiences.

The Marching Illini will perform in Kilkenny as part of St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny on Sunday 15th March at 12noon. Beginning in Kilkenny Castle Park with a short performance they will then march through the streets in a one band Parade. The Marching Illini will begin their performance at Kilkenny Castle Park, before proceeding down The Parade and High Street, turning right onto Bateman Quay, and then returning to the Castle Park via Rose Inn St. Everyone is invited to line the streets to welcome our guests and enjoy this amazing spectacle!

If you can’t make it on Sunday, Kilkenny will have visiting marching bands on Monday 16th with Campo Verde HS Marching Band at 11am and Ohio State University Marching band at 12.30pm, both in Kilkenny Castle Park.

Please note that American Marching Band performances are weather dependent and at the discretion of the performers. Please check our social media channels for updates!
Organisers Website

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