If you click on the links in this post, we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.
The Celtic Fest is coming to the RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Begun in 2002, the fest is celebrated on the last weekend in July. This year that makes it July 28, 29 and 30, 2023.
Festival Hours
- Friday, July 28 – 5:30 pm to 11 pm
- Saturday, July 29 – 11:30 am to 11 pm
- Sunday, July 30 – 9 am to 6 pm
Admission is free!
The term Celtic generally refers to the languages and cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Cornwall and Brittany, also called the Celtic nations. These are the regions where Celtic languages are still taught and spoken, to some extent.
The United Irish of Dayton work to provide the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Irish through service, charity and community events. There will be 500 volunteers at this year’s Celtic Fest and they are expecting more than 90,000 attendees.
Immerse yourself in the sights, tastes and sounds of Celtic heritage. See why people return to this fest year after year.
Entertainment
There will be entertainment throughout the Celtic Fest. Three stages will be rocking with performers who include
- Gaelic Storm
- The Fitzgeralds
- Boxing Banjo
- Doolin’
- Socks in the Frying Pan
- Davy Holt
- The Drowsy Lads
- Dulahan
- Jameson’s Folly
- Father, Son & Friends
- Miami Valley Pipe & Drums
- The Rice Brothers
- Celtic Academy of Irish Dance
- McGovern Irish Dance
- Dwyer School of Irish Dance
Other Festivities
The Fest will have a 5K/10K Run/Walk which will start and finish on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail near RiverScape MetroPark. Runners and walkers of all ages can enter the race. There will be refreshments at the end. Prizes will be given to the top three in each age group plus the overall Female and Male winners.
One of the highlights of the Fest is the Celtic Food Court. Vendors offer many authentic Irish dishes. This will be your opportunity to sample delicious Irish treats.
Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase and will include
- Celtic Fest Red Ale
- Celtic Fest Stout
- Boddington’s Pub Ale
- Bud Light
- Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider
- White Claw Mango
- White Claw Black Cherry
- Jameson Ginger & Lime
- Barefoot Pinot Grigio
- Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon
The Riley School of Irish Music is inviting Irish musicians of all skill levels to join in on an Irish music session. Bring your own instrument or borrow one of theirs.
Cultural Exhibits & Demonstrations
- Dayton Metro Library’s Genealogy Department
- Cathay Jo Smith, author of Storyville and The Irish Wake
- Dayton Area Rugby Club (DARC)
- Cu & Craic Irish Wolfhounds
- Cindy Thompson, author
- Five Rivers Youth Rugby Foundation
- Gaeltacht Midwest
- The History & Sport of Hurling with Greg Bebbington
- Introduction to Irish Music
- Bill Evans: Baker
- Five Points Cloggers
Parade Of Kilts
Wear your kilt and show your Celtic pride! On Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:30 pm and at 11:30 am on Sunday, there will be Parades of Kilts. Don’t have a kilt? Check out these kilts for women and men.
On Sunday at 10 am at the United Irish of Dayton Stage in the Five Rivers MetroParks Pavilion, Mass will be presented in Gaelic and English. Irish dancers and pipers will be present.
Irish Food
If you liked the Irish food at the Celtic Fest and want to learn more about Irish cooking, try these cookbooks. And you can use our links to see how much money you can save on them.
- The Complete Irish Pub Cookbook
- Our Irish Grannies Comforting & Delicious Cooking From The Old Country by Eoin Purcell
- Irish Traditional Cooking: Over 300 Recipes by Darina Allen
Or you can enjoy Irish cuisine at the best Irish restaurants in Dayton as chosen by the users of TripAdvisor.
- Dublin Pub
- The Pub
If you love Irish food but can’t get to these restaurants one night, you can get food from the Pub delivered by DoorDash. Check out their menu.
Dayton Hotels
If you’d like to visit Dayton, Ohio, for the Celtic Fest, you should consider the following hotels. They are all offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
- Quality Inn & Suites Miamisburg – Dayton South 19% Discount
- Comfort Suites Miamisburg – Dayton South 19% Discount
- Clarion Inn Dayton Airport 19% Discount
- Quality Inn Dayton 19% Discount
- Comfort Inn & Suites – Huber Heights 19% Discount
- Clarion Inn near Wright Patterson – Dayton 19% Discount
- Quality Inn Fairborn 19% Discount
- Comfort Inn Dayton – Huber Heights 18% Discount
- Comfort Suites Dayton – Wright Patterson 15% Discount
- Comfort Inn & Suites Dayton North 5% Discount
- Rodeway Inn Miamisburg 5% Discount
- Comfort Inn & Suites Fairborn near Wright Patterson 5% Discount
