September 19 & 20, 2026 | Saturday 10am-10pm; Sunday 10am-5pm
Throughout the weekend you'll see history and culture come alive in various ways, all thanks to those who honor all aspects of Celtic life. Better yet, you can join in! Hear stories, peruse specialty collections, learn about swordfighting, and more.
The 13th Realm are re-enactors who recreate European 13th century. Their family-friendly demonstrations and artifacts allow guests to have a greater understanding of this era.
CNY Gallowglass Society is for all people interested in learning basket-hilted broadsword fencing interpreted from historic sources, primarily within the kingdoms of Scotland, Ireland, and England. They offer hands-on experiences to give people a greater understanding of historical weaponry.
Cobblestone Fiber Designs uses various fiber crafting techniques including weaving, knitting, crochet, hand-dying, and more. Visit their booth for first-hand demos of these ancient arts, and to purchase a variety of goods such as clothing, candles and artisanal soaps.
View a display honoring the events which ultimately led to Ireland's independence from the United Kingdom.
"Step right up and test your strength!" A high striker, also known as a strength tester or strongman game, is a century-old attraction used in funfairs, amusement parks, and carnivals. Players swing a hammer to strike a lever, which sends a puck up a tower - the more strength, the higher the puck goes!
Meet and learn a few dance steps with members of the RSCDS. They offer local dance sessions and classes in WNY.
Fossils or gemstones...which will you pick? Select your bag of sand, pour it into a tray and let a 10-foot water sluiceway reveal your surprise treasures! Ruff Rock Mining also offers a unique collection of rocks, minerals, geode crackers and fossils, many of which are labeled by the location they were found.
Saturday Only
Gain wonderful knowledge and hands-on experience with ancient weapons and battle skills. SHFT members perform demos all weekend long, giving presentations and letting guests join in as well.
Spangler Forge is a true blacksmith shop: no power hammers, hydraulic presses, or propane forges. Their popular showcases combine traditional hand-forging techniques with modern metallurgy, creating unique and lasting pieces. Human spirit meets hot iron, just like it has for thousands of years.
Direct from The Sterling Renaissance Festival, these invaders are here to share in the fun and joviality of the Ren Faire with our guests. You never know where you’ll meet them, but they’re sure to make your visit more wonderful. They may even get you involved in their fun as well!
If you have Celtic ancestry and want to know more about your clan/family's tartan and its meanings, be sure to visit Tartan Revisited, located inside Clan Village. They specialize in the history & background of tartans, and can help you learn more about your ancestors.
The tree's origins come from old Celtic traditions; variations include Fairy, May, and Votive Trees. Visitors add wishes (or prayers) as offerings to saints, deities or wee folk. At weekend's end they are ceremoniously sent to the heavens, where we hope many receive help in coming true!
The history and pride of many Celtic people thrives in the descendants of the original families of Scotland and Ireland, known as Clans. They honor their ancestors by celebrating the traditions and heritage that have held their families together for generations. A visit is highly recommended, as the living history of Clan Village cannot be missed.
Celebrating history and heritage of the Celts is a priority for the Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival. The Celtic College hosts a series of cultural classes and lectures designed to educate and enlighten you. Here's your chance to learn first-hand about bagpipes, Celtic poetry, genealogy and more- new topics every year. Make sure your visit includes one or more of these FREE classes!
Times |
Class |
|---|---|
1:00pm |
Wings and Fire: Celtic Dragon Lorewith Kenneth McIntosh Learn about the dragons of Celtic imagination through stories, images, and lively discussion. |
2:00pm |
Songs & Stories of Irish Soldiers in the American Civil Warwith Don Dwyer Discover the songs that 180,000 Irish immigrants sang who fought for the Union in the Civil War. |
3:00pm |
Celtic Influences on American Musicwith Brian Quigley and Zoe Buck A talk, filled with songs and tunes, discussing the influence of traditional Irish and Scottish music on American performers of folk, mountain, and bluegrass music. |
4:00pm |
The Two Battles of Moyturawith Franklin LaVoie Hear the tales of the ancient Celtic gods and their influence over the lands of Éire. |
5:30pm |
Whisky Tasting Seminar$45pp, limited tickets. Explore the history of this infamous drink while sampling high-end varieties. |
Times |
Class |
|---|---|
1:00pm |
Music & Culture of Scotlandwith Tom Keefer Take a deep dive into Scottish culture and its effects on the world. |
2:00pm |
Beginning Genealogywith Jeanette Sheliga Researching your family history can be very rewarding, and this is a great class to get you started. Includes common genealogical resources and research strategies. |
Niagara Celtic hosts a wonderful array of demonstrations and hands-on experience with a variety of animals, including breeds direct from the British Isles whenever possible.
Sunday Only
Enjoy the amazing skills and tricks of some wonderful Shelties (a Scottish breed) and their friends.
Saturday Only
Head alongside the Culture Center to meet and learn about the amazing wild birds who've helped humans since ancient times.
Sunday Only
Learn the history of this amazing breed while watching demos of their skill, grace, and athleticism.
Sheep dog herding is a centuries-old tradition with roots in Scotland and Wales, where dogs were first bred to assist farmers in herding sheep. Herding is a thrilling display of canine skill and teamwork.
Experience a wonderful array of farm animals. All ages will delight as they meet and learn about the lives of alpacas, chickens, goats, bunnies, and more!
Open Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Wonder and adventure are found everywhere in Niagara Celtic's Wee Folk Shire. Journey through four mini-lands designed to encourage education, imagination, active play and togetherness.
Sunday Only
The Faery Queen has announced a brief visit to Niagara Celtic! Stop by the Wee Folk Shire in the early afternoon to meet her majesty and take part in a quest.
Storytelling was vital during the time of ancient Celts, as a way to share history, lessons and fantasy. Sit for a wee spell and listen to Celtic tales with the Red and Pink Fairies! Showtimes and Story lengths vary.
Stars on our website note spectacular participants who've joined Niagara Celtic over the years. They honor attendance, although many have joined more years than their given star. Thanks to everyone who works hard to make our festival what it is!



