Quick answer
Gavin's Guinness Fest runs every Columbus Day weekend in East Durham, NY — the 20th anniversary is October 8–11, 2027. Book a multi-night package early (3-night packages booked before December 1, 2026 get a free anniversary t-shirt), pack layers for cool fall nights, and plan to stay for both days of music.
What Guinness Fest is
Guinness Fest (also called Guinness Oktoberfest) has been held at Gavin's Irish Country Inn every Columbus Day weekend since 2007–2008. It's a full weekend of Irish bands, Guinness on tap, Irish step dancers and the Guinness stew the kitchen makes for the festival every year. In 2026 the lineup included The Canny Brothers and The Willie Lynch Band, with 12 hours of Irish music on both Saturday and Sunday.
2027 marks the 20th anniversary: Friday, October 8 through Monday, October 11.
When to book
Columbus Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year in the Catskills — it lines up with peak fall foliage. Book your room as soon as dates are announced. For 2027, guests who book a 3-night package before December 1, 2026 receive a free anniversary t-shirt on arrival.
What to pack
- Layers — mornings can be in the 40s, afternoons in the 60s
- A warm jacket for evenings under the tent
- Comfortable shoes for dancing
- Your best Irish sweater or jersey
- Rain shell, just in case
- A phone charger — you'll take a lot of photos
- Cash for the bar and gift shop
How to make the most of the weekend
Arrive Friday
Friday night is your warm-up: dinner, a session in the pub and an easy start before the long music days.
Pace yourself
Twelve hours of music is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a midday walk, catch a drive through the foliage, and come back for the evening sets.
Eat the stew
The Guinness stew is the unofficial mascot of the weekend. Don't leave without a bowl.
Stay through Monday
The holiday Monday means a relaxed breakfast and an easier drive home without the Sunday-evening traffic.
Make it a fall double-header
The weekend after Guinness Fest is traditionally the Northeast Tionól, a gathering of uilleann pipers and traditional musicians — perfect if you'd like a quieter, session-focused follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
When is Guinness Fest at Gavin's?
Every Columbus Day weekend. The 20th anniversary Guinness Fest is Friday, October 8 through Monday, October 11, 2027.
Is there an early-bird offer for 2027?
Yes. Book a 3-night package before December 1, 2026 and receive a free 2027 anniversary t-shirt on arrival.
What should I wear to a fall Irish festival in the Catskills?
Dress in layers: a warm sweater or fleece, a jacket for the evenings and comfortable shoes for dancing. Bring a rain shell just in case.
Is Guinness stew served at Guinness Fest?
Yes — Gavin's kitchen prepares its Guinness stew for Guinness Fest every Columbus Day weekend.
By the Gavin family · Gavin’s Irish Country Inn, East Durham, NY · Updated
