Almonte Celtfest is celebrating their 30th anniversary this summer and you’re invited to enjoy an extra special edition of the festival in Gemmill Park from July 3-5.
The festival promises a jam-packed weekend featuring musical performances by the powerhouse Celtic family band, Leahy, CFMA-award-winning PEI singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant, and Celtic rockers, the Derina Harvey Band. The Celtfest crew is delighted to offer all three days of festival programming by-donation to celebrate the anniversary.
From the trad sound of Kelly Sloan & Jig to the Québécois folk of Bon Débarras, and Cécilia. to crowd pleaser CR5 Bluegrass, the program has something for everyone. Among other highlights are Chelsey June & the Woven Ones and U.S.-based Irish musician Ailíse.
This year’s festival also carries on a strong tradition of showcasing local musicians with plenty of talented area musicians on the bill including community favourites the Barley Shakers and the Almonte Legion Pipe Band, the Ottawa Celtic Choir, Graham Lindsey & Friends, Nichols School of Highland dance and the country guitar picking of the Joe Ray McDonald band.
While the music on the main stage is the main draw, there’s lots more to take in at Celtfest. The Saturday morning workshops offer a wide variety of lessons, instructors, and activities, including stepdancing, guitar, all levels of fiddle, and more. The tough part is choosing which one to sign up for.
Rounding out the event, there will be a Celtic Market featuring artists, makers and food vendors, crafts, yard games and face painting for the kids, Gaelic sports matches from the Ottawa Gaels, performances by the Riversong Players and other buskers along Mill St.,and a late night jam session on Saturday.
If you would like to get involved Celtfest is looking for volunteers for festival weekend. Whether you have several hours to offer or just one, you’re welcome to sign up. There is a volunteer form at almonteceltfest.com. Register now and you could score your very own 30th anniversary t-shirt.
There’s also space for more sponsors. If you would like to support the festival but aren’t sure where to start, get in touch with Celtfest.
And if you’re keen to get your Celtfest on early, check out Tartan: Culture & Cloth, an exhibit created and curated by Almonte Celtfest and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Expect to find a stunning collection of tartans, kilts, and housewares that explore the story of the beloved textile. Outside the park, you will also find a Celtfest 30 display at the Almonte branch of the Mississippi Mills Library featuring photos and other festival memorabilia. Check the Cletfest website and social channels for the dates and times it will be open.
Almonte Celtfest is grateful for support from the Thomas Cavanagh Foundation, the Ontario government, the Town of Mississippi Mills, The Hub, Levi Home Hardware and many other local sponsors. Their generosity ensures that this year’s festival will be one to remember.
Tartan: Culture & Cloth runs until July 26, 2026 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
Almonte Celtfest is July 3-5, 2026 at Gemmill Park in Almonte
Check out AlmonteCeltfest.com for details and follow @AlmonteCeltfest on Facebook and Instagram for festival news and updates.
