Bob Reeder

Considering the Kansas City Irish Fest came and went just five weeks ago, many of you may wonder why visiting the Weston Irish Fest at O’ Malley’s Pub and Courtyard this weekend might be more fun. Corey Weinfurt, co-owner of O’Malley’s Pub and Weston Brewing Company, has an answer.

“Well, (Weston) has a pretty different vibe to it,” he says. “It’s a much more intimate setting. You’re only with about 9,000 folks instead of fighting through 90,000.”

The setting will be beneficial for those who want better access to the 17 acts who will perform throughout the three-day event, which starts at 5 p.m. tonight. The list of entertainers includes both local performers like Bob Reeder and Tullamore as well as recognized national groups like Seven Nations and Screaming Orphans.

As they have the previous five years, The Elders will headline the festival and play the final show at the Courtyard Stage. Steve Phillips, the group’s mandolin and guitar player, says the audience can expect songs from The Elders’ new record “Gael Day,” as well as crowd pleasers from previous releases.

A grown-up brand of music is the perfect fit for this festival, where six kinds of Irish draught beer will be served (Guinness Stout, Harp Lager, Smithwick’s Ale, O’Malley’s Festival Ale, O’Malley’s Cream Ale, O’ Malley’s Cider). These beers are the perfect compliment to the signature entrees served at O’ Malley’s American Bowman Restaurant (cheddar and ale soup, bangers and mash, beef ‘n Guinness, fish and chips, the half-pound pub burger and the corned beef sandwich).

Also, vendors selling Irish art, music, clothing and more will be on hand.

“There will be a pretty neat mix of about 20 to 25 vendors,” Weinfurt says. “With the vendors, the music and the setting, it’s a little more of an adult-based event.”

The Weston Irish Fest will be open from 5 p.m. to midnight today, 11 a.m. to midnight Oct. 10 and noon to 10 p.m. Oct. 11. Admission is $8 today and $10 on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit www.westonirish.com or call O’ Malley’s Pub at (816) 640-5235.