Mark your calendar and tell your friends — Almonte Celtfest will be back in Gemmill Park for a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment from July 3–5!
Come hear performances by Leahy, Lennie Gallant, Derina Harvey Band, CR5 Bluegrass, Bon Débarras, and many more local and touring music and dance groups. Entrance is by donation for all three days of programming this year.
Rounding out the event will be interactive music and cultural workshops, crafts, yard games and face painting for the kids, Gaelic sports matches from the Ottawa Gaels, street performances by the Riversong Players and other buskers, a late night jam session on Saturday, and a 30th anniversary display at the library.
Now a beloved annual event, Almonte Celtfest was founded in 1997 by Brian O’Connell, Dan O’Connell and Terry Currie, who noticed a global resurgence of Celtic art and traditions and decided to organize a fun day in the park showcasing Celtic-inspired and Ottawa Valley music. Since then, it has grown and endured challenges while staying true to its mission to celebrate and promote the Celtic heritage of the Ottawa Valley through music and dance, keep the event accessible, and provide a stage to showcase local and up-and-coming performers alongside Celtic performers from across Canada and the world.
If you would like to get involved, Celtfest is always looking for volunteers for festival weekend. Whether you have eight hours to offer or just one, you are welcome to join the team. There is a volunteer sign up form at AlmonteCeltfest.com.
Almonte Celtfest would like to thank Cavanagh Construction and the Thomas Cavanagh Foundation for sponsoring Friday Night in the Park featuring Lennie Gallant and for their longtime support of the festival. Celtfest is also grateful to the Town of Mississippi Mills, along with the many local sponsors, for support that will ensure that this year’s festival is one to remember.
Tartan: Culture & Cloth
Can’t wait until July to get your Celtfest on? Check out Tartan: Culture & Cloth, an exhibit created and curated by Almonte Celtfest and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. The exhibit features a stunning collection of tartans, kilts, and household items that explores the unique textile in all its forms. After all, Tartan is more than just a fabric — it is a symbol of kinship, identity, and rebellion woven through centuries and across cultures. The exhibit opens on Saturday, May 2 with a vernissage from 1–4pm where you can meet the curators. If you can’t make the opening, the exhibit runs until July 26.
There will also be three special events in support of the exhibit. On Saturday, May 23 from 2–4pm and on Saturday, July 4 from 10am to noon, you’re invited to a “Meet a Kiltmaker session” with Tony and Julie from Marshall Bespoke Kiltmakers. Then on Sunday, May 24 from 1–4pm, there will be a Paper Botanical Workshop led by Linda Hamilton of Daydream Flowers in the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum education room. Come learn how to make a Thistle Flower and discover the techniques and artistry behind paper botanicals. Tickets are available through Linda’s website daydreamflowers.ca.
Tartan: Culture & Cloth runs from May 2 to July 26 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.
Check out AlmonteCeltfest.com for details about this year’s festival, and follow @AlmonteCeltfest on Facebook and Instagram for festival news and updates.