Bloomsday is celebrated throughout the world by Irish people and James Joyce fans alike. The name “Bloomsday” derives from Leopold Bloom, the Jewish protagonist in Joyce’s novel, Ulysses,” which chronicles a day in the life of Bloom and is set in Dublin, Ireland.

    For the third straight year, the Irish Cultural Center will hold its own Bloomsday celebration, accompanied by a beer festival. The Third Annual Bloomin’ Beerfest takes place on Saturday, June 6, kicking off at 7 p.m. as The Phoenix Pipe Band leads guests into the Irish Cultural Center grounds, located at 1106 N. Central Ave.

 

Bloom’s journey included stops at more than a few pubs. At the Bloomin’ Beerfest, the available brews will originate with a dozen or more of Arizona’s top craft brewers.

    True to the Bloomsday tradition, readings from “Ulysses” will be offered in the center’s stone cottage. Often cited as the greatest novel in the English language, “Ulysses” is definitely geared to an adult audience with its bawdy themes and salty language, so admission to the Cottage Readings will be limited to guests 18 years and older.

    The Brid Dower Band will be performing throughout the evening in the center’s Great Hall, surrounded by the majority of the participating brewers. The Cultural Center grounds also will ring with two sets of traditional and contemporary Irish and Scottish tunes performed by The Fiddlers of the Academy, led by Jane Hilton. This diverse group includes students of all ages brought together by their passion for Celtic music. Students travel from throughout the Valley and outlying communities to study and play together in The Academy of Irish and Celtic Studies housed at the Irish Cultural Center. Irish and festival food will be available for purchase.

    The price of Bloomin’ Beerfest tickets includes admission to the event, 16 tickets which can be presented to taste the wares of participating craft brewers, and a souvenir tasting mug. Presale tickets can be purchased online for $25 through June 4 at http://www.brown papertickets.com/event/66128 ($35 at the door). Beer tasting ticket sales are limited to 500 persons. Non-beerfest admission to the Bloomsday celebration is $10 at the gate. Additional tickets for beer or food will be available for purchase on site.

    The Irish Cultural Center has reserved a block of rooms at the Lexington Hotel (formerly the Best Western) at a discounted price of $59 for Saturday night. Call 602-252-2100, and ask for the group: Bloomsday.