What to know about Seisiún, the two-day Irish music festival coming to Boston

St. Patrick’s Day is still six months away, but this Saturday and Sunday, the grounds at Suffolk Downs will be filled with Irish music and merriment all day long.

Seisiún, a two-day Irish music festival, will be headlined by two artists who have brought the rebellious punk spirit to Irish music for decades.

Boston’s own Dropkick Murphys will headline Saturday, while Celtic punk legends The Pogues — making their first US appearance in more than 20 years — will wrap up proceedings on Sunday.

Though the headliners skew punk rock, Seisiún’s lineup captures all sounds in the Irish music spectrum, with plenty of up-and-coming acts from Ireland flying in for the occasion.

Whether you’ve been planning to go for weeks or are just thinking about buying tickets, here’s everything to know about the Seisiún Music Festival.

What is Seisiún?

The Stage at Suffolk Downs, a re-imagination of the old racetrack space, is steeped in musical history. The venue famously hosted the Beatles back in 1966, and through the years brought in acts like The Jackson 5, Radiohead, and others.

In 1999, Suffolk Downs also hosted the Fleadh (pronounced “flah”), a traveling festival that celebrated Irish music and culture. The Fleadh brought together Irish and American artists alike, including Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Elvis Costello, Tracy Chapman, and Natalie Merchant.

More than 25 years later, Fleadh producers Joe Killian and Liam Lynch have teamed up with Bowery Presents to bring its spiritual successor, Seisiún (pronounced sesh-oon), back to Boston.

“From a cultural attachment perspective, a community support perspective, this city is the true capital of Ireland,” Lynch told Boston magazine. “All roads lead to Boston.”

Who is performing at Seisiún?

Like the 1999 Fleadh festival, Seisiún’s lineup is a mixture of Irish, Irish-American, and American artists who appreciate Irish music and culture sharing the stage. Besides the Pogues and Dropkick Murphys, top acts include the Hold Steady, Waterboys, Glen Hansard, Stiff Little Fingers, and more.

The Pogues have assembled a large group of both veteran and up-and-coming musicians to support the group, following the 2023 death of lead singer Shane MacGowan.

Supporting longstanding members James Fearnley, Jem Finer, and Spider Stacy are next-generation Irish songwriters like Lisa O’Neill, Daragh Lynch, and John Francis Flynn.

Though MacGowan was kicked out of The Pogues in the early 1990s, he rejoined the band in 2001 and continued to work with the group until his death.

“He was a dear friend, and he wrote the most brilliant lyrics I’ve ever heard,” Finer told The Boston Globe. “To count him as a friend and work with him was an amazing thing.”

Check out the full lineup and set times for both days of Seisiún below.

Saturday, Sept. 6:

• Holy Locust: 2:10-2:55 p.m.
• The Rumjacks: 3:15-4:05 p.m.
• The Scratch: 4:25-5:25 p.m.
• Stiff Little Fingers: 5:45-6:45 p.m.
• The Hold Steady: 7:15-8:15 p.m.
• Dropkick Murphys: 8:45-END

Sunday, Sept. 7:

• John Francis Flynn: 1:00-1:35 p.m.
• Lisa O’Neill: 1:45-2:25 p.m.
• Mairéad: 2:40-3:25 p.m.
• Just Mustard: 3:40-4:25 p.m.
• Cardinals: 4:40-5:25 p.m.
• The Waterboys: 5:45-6:40 p.m.
• Glen Hansard: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
• The Pogues: 8:20-END

Seisiún music festival FAQ

What time does the festival start?

Due to a late schedule change, Seisiún will start at slightly different times on each of its two days. The music will begin on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m., while Sunday, Sept. 7’s set will kick off at 1 p.m.

How can I buy tickets to Seisiún?

One-day tickets are available via AXS at three pricing tiers: $75 for GA lawn tickets, $100 for GA pit tickets, and $257 for Turf Club, the venue’s VIP seating. Two-day tickets are also available at $135 for GA lawn, $175 for GA pit, and $403 for Turf Club. Be sure to check AXS’s resale market for potentially cheaper prices as well.

How do I get to The Stage at Suffolk Downs?

The festival highly recommends taking the T to Seisiún, as parking is limited and the Suffolk Downs stop on the Blue Line is just steps away from the venue. There is also a dedicated rideshare pick-up/drop-off area.

OK, but what if I really want to drive?

Parking must be purchased in advance through the Stage at Suffolk Downs website. And if you were planning to drive just so you could fire up an all-day party, know that tailgating is prohibited.

What else is prohibited at Seisiún?

Weapons, cigarettes, vape pens, lighters, bags larger than 14″x14″, coolers, umbrellas, outside food, outside beverages (other than empty non-metal water bottles or hydration packs), tents, and signs larger than 11″x17″.

So what can I bring to Seisiún?

Other than a healthy appetite for Irish music? Blankets, towels, and beach chairs for the lawn are permitted.

Check out a map of the Stage at Suffolk Downs below.