Clement Park will look greener that ever July 13-15 when the 18th annual Colorado Irish Festival fills the grounds with music and dance, Gaelic football, hurling, a cultural village and more.

It all happens at the west end of Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave., near Johnson Reservoir.

The Young Dubliners will return on Friday night, with The Elders, The Fighting Jamesons, The Brazen Heads, the Stubby Shillelaghs and more. If you enter between 5 and 6 p.m., admission is free on Friday.

Saturday’s lineup includes a tribute to the Clancy Brothers, Irish fiddler Frankie Gavin, the professional Irish dance group Strictly Irish and many other acts, both national and local.

A special feature this year is an exhibit called “The Irish in Film,” which looks at the Irish and Irish-American contribution to films.

In the 19th century, Ireland was recognized for its active theater scene, with actors and playwrights who segued into the early silent films in some instances and connected with American filmmakers.

“The Quiet Man” is a classic, and other films, actors and directors have continued the tradition.

Think: Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Farrell, Maureen O’Hara, Richard Harris, Buster Keaton, James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, Spencer Tracy, Gregory Peck, Tyrone Power and directors John Ford, John Huston and Leo McCarey.

Irish history also provided stories for many film scripts.

This exhibit, from the Ward Archives, will include photos, posters and memorabilia, highlighted by a Sunday reception with the Irish Consul General Gerry Staunton, who will fly in for the event.

A kids’ area is planned and there will be storytelling.

Gaelic football is a predecessor of soccer, we are told by organizer Pat McCullough, with a bit of rugby thrown in.

Check the coloradoirishfestival.org website for game times, as well as particular times for favorite entertainers.

The Cultural Village and Pub also await for different attractions. A schedule of events is found online.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians will assure that a Eucharist service is available on Sunday for the devout Irish Catholics and there will be opportunities to learn more about family heritage for those who seek it.

Advance tickets are available at a discount at King Soopers or online: coloradoirishfestival.org, $12/$10. Day of festival: $15/$10. Kids 12 and younger will be admitted free all weekend.

Gates are open 5 to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.