Welcome to iBAM! 2025 — November 21–23
Join us for an immersive weekend celebrating the richness, depth, and diversity of Irish culture. iBAM! opens on Friday, November 21 with a special concert by Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, followed by two full days of cultural programming on Saturday and Sunday, November 22–23 — including author talks, film screenings, panel discussions, musical performances, dance, cooking demonstrations, and more. Saturday evening also features the prestigious Awards Gala Dinner.
This page is your starting point — click through the links below to explore the full weekend schedule, detailed pages for each artist, presenter, and event, and everything else you need to plan your visit to iBAM! 2025 in Chicago.
What’s Happening at iBAM! 2025
Derek Warfield
& The Young Wolfe Tones
Friday, November 21st
Kick off the iBAM! weekend with legendary Irish ballads and rebel songs from Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones in a high-energy live concert.
iBAM! Awards
Gala Dinner
Saturday, November 22nd
At the heart of iBAM! is the annual Awards Gala Dinner, a Saturday evening tradition that shines a light on those whose achievements have shaped Irish arts and culture and on the individuals whose dedication sustains Irish life in Chicago.
Cultural Programming
Saturday & Sunday, November 22-23
A living tapestry of Ireland’s creative heritage, iBAM!’s Cultural Programming is the beating heart of the weekend. Through dynamic panel discussions, author talks, exhibits, film screenings, theatre, poetry, and music, the festival celebrates Ireland’s rich legacy while spotlighting the artists and thinkers carrying it forward today.