When a festival has been an annual event since 1992 (we know-2017 became a planning year) everything under the Celtic Sun has probably been done already. The new team has been working diligently for several months and we’re excited to revisit old favorites and maybe offer a twist or two.
On Friday night, March 23rd, our long time location on the grounds of MS Ag Museum will offer you a “Taste of CelticFest” with a ticket price of just $5! There will be performances on the Forestry Main Stage sponsored by Wine & Spirits in the Quarter, the Jerry Baldridge Tent Stage as well as some informal session space on the Fenian’s Pub Stage.
The dancers among us are especially excited to offer the Céilí Beag this year in the Sparkman Auditorium sponsored by Jackson Irish Dancers. What’s a Céilí Beag? Small Dance of course! With Caller Jackie O’Riley this céilí is geared toward more experienced dancers with traditional set dancing as well as céilí dances but of course everyone is welcome! The famous and unique CelticFest Céilí Mór (Big Dance) is still Saturday night from 8-Midnight in the Forestry Building. If you have no idea what a “céilí (kay-lee) is then you MUST come out and see for yourself! Spectators are also very welcome!
A limited, but fine selection of our Vendors will be set up on Friday night with the full complement on Saturday. We’re excited for you to greet old favorites and meet the first timers who are sure to become favorites! Of course the Captial Cities Beverages Beer Truck will be there Friday and Saturday.
Schedules will be posted here on the website the week prior to the Festival and a printed version will be available at the Celtic Heritage Society Tent where you will purchase your beer tickets, browse and pick up CD’s and Merchandise for sale by the many artists as well as the CelticFest MS 2018 T-shirt! We’ll also be offering previous CelticFest Banners for sale as well as “Vintage” CelticFest T-shirts. Limited supply so get em’ while you can!
Saturday March 24th – ALL the Bands, Dancers, Workshops, Clans, Shire of Iron Ox chapter of the SCA, Marilyn the Highland Coo & animals to delight, Blacksmiths from the MS Forge Council, Highland Games Demonstrations and Bagpipers and of course The Kindred Spirits Whisky Tasting! Sponsored kindly by our great friends at Wine & Spirits in the Quarter ( 1855 Lakeland Drive) Kindred Spirits will be Saturday from 4 -8 pm in the Ethnic Heritage Building. Two price points and even better value! Check out the details Here.
Get Social with us! We’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as @celticfestms . The links are to your right on this page.
Sláinte!
If you’ve read this far, YOU are a saint and a scholar and deserve a bonus!
Join us Thursday March 22nd at the fabulous Fairview Inn for a free CelticFest MS Kickoff Party! CelticFest Artists, dancer Jackie O’Riley, Finvarra’s Wren and Spirits of the House with Joey Abarta will perform starting at 7pm. It’s your first chance to hear some selections from the new CD from Spirits, featuring Joey Abarta on uilleann pipes, entitled, The Empty Chair.
All musicians are welcome to sit in on a session afterward so please bring your instruments. The craic is sure to be mighty !