Come on now, ’fess up. Every once in a while, and not just on St. Paddy’s Day, you’d like to be Irish — as loquacious as Brendan Behan, as twinkle-toed as Michael Flatley. Fortunately, the 9th Annual Newport Waterfront Irish Festival will be held at the Newport Yachting Center on Labor Day weekend (September 2 through 4), so you can come and take notes for when the impulse strikes you. It’s pitched as “a celebration of Irish music, culture, cuisine, and crafts.” Offerings range from step dancing in the Dance Hall to introductions to Irish literature in the Irish Culture Tent. Visitors may shop in the marketplace and taste Irish specialties in the food booths. The music is varied, from the Hunt Family Fiddlers to the Screaming Orphans. Tickets are $15 general, $12 in advance (until August 18), seniors and students $12. 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport | 401.846.1600 | www.newportfestivals.com/Irish_Festival