Celtic Fest returns to downtown Dayton this weekend
Dayton Celtic Fest returns to Riverscape in downtown Dayton this weekend July 28-30-here's everything you need to know
Celtic Fest is this weekend—What you need to know
Rated one of Dayton's top summer festivals, do not miss Dayton Celtic Festival at Riverscape Metropark this weekend. With food, shopping, non-stop entertainment, and tons of workshops and activities, Celtic Fest offers a unique cultural experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Here's everything you need to know about the festival:
World-class Headliners
Dayton Celtic Festival will feature 7 world-class headliners performing on 3 stages:
- Gaelic Storm "Blends of indie-folk and world grooves"
- The Fitzgeralds "Energetic, hilarious, genuine, and heart-warming"
- Doolin' "France’s premier Celtic band"
- Boxing Banjo "High-octane Irish Music"
- Socks In the Frying Pan "Traditional Melodies with Rhythmic Garnish"
- Davy Holt "Traditional, Original & Contemporary Scottish folk music"
- The Drowsy Lads "The Spirit of Irish Music in the Midwest"
Read more about the headliner bands - check out the full entertainment schedule here.
Regional & Local Performers
Celtic Fest will also feature several regional bands and local dance groups including:
- Dulahan
- Father Son and Friends
- Jameson’s Folly
- Miami Valley Pipes and Drums
- The Rice Brothers
- Celtic Academy of Irish Dance
- Dwyer School of Irish Dance
- McGovern Irish Dance
Read more about the local bands and dance groups
Celtic Marketplace
Featuring over 40 vendors from all the Celtic nations. The Celtic Marketplace will stretch the length of Monument Avenue with everything from stoneware to kilts to jewelry and more. See a list of marketplace vendors
Food Vendors
Featuring 20 food vendors from around the Dayton area and beyond. Everything from Wild Caught Salmon with potato hash, and Irish Whiskey Chops, to snacks, ice cream, and even handmade pretzels. See a list of food vendors
Cultural Activities
The cultural area will include many workshops, activities and exhibits - here are some of the highlights:
Parade of Kilts - Bagpipers and flag bearers will lead us through the festival grounds in a display of Celtic pride Friday and Saturday 6:30 pm
Come pet the Irish Wolfhounds in the Culture area - For millennia, these amazing dogs were found only in Ireland. Find the Cú & Craic Irish Wolfhounds of Ohio in the culture area on Saturday and Sunday
Traditional Irish "sessions" - Experience an authentic Irish session that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired - The Riley School of Irish Music will be jamming nearly all day Saturday and Sunday
Scottish Highland Dancing - Join the St. Andrew’s society of Dayton- Scottish Highland Dancers for interactive Ceilidh dancing and a demonstration and interactive highland dancing Saturday 5:00-5:50pm
Celtic Mass - presented in Gaelic and English on Sunday at 10:00 am
Several workshops are scheduled, including Introduction to Irish bouzouki, Tales of the Irish Heart, The Potato Famine, The Sport of Hurling, Bagpipes, Irish Symbolism and much more!
Check out all the workshops and activities here
How to go to Dayton Celtic Festival
Cost and Admission: Celtic Fest is FREE to attend!
Festival hours: Friday, July 28, 5.30 p.m -11 p.m, Saturday, July 29, 11.30 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday, July 30, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Celtic Fest is held at RiverScape MetroPark in Downtown Dayton (111 E. Monument Avenue between Patterson Boulevard and N. Jefferson Street).
Parking: The parking garage on Main Street (110 N Main Street) and the Water Street Parking Garage (403 Water Street) will be open. Other parking options downtown can be found at the Downtown Dayton Partnership. The parking meters on the perimeter of the festival grounds will be designated as handicapped parking. Additional Handicap parking is available in the Water Street Parking Garage (403 Water Street).
Shuttle Service: There will be no official shuttle service available, though Dublin Pub will be running a shuttle to the festival grounds.
Festival Map
