Mark your calendar and tell your friends, Almonte Celtfest will be back in Gemmill Park for a weekend full of live music and festivities July 4-6!
The 29th edition of the festival kicks off with a blast of Celtic energy, in a triple bill lineup featuring Ottawa favourite the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective, Métis fiddler Alex Kusturok, and Celtic rock warriors the Mudmen.
Entrance to Saturday and Sunday’s programming continues to be by donation at the gate, thanks to the generosity of festival sponsors.
The weekend promises plenty of music, dancing, and fun in the park from noon till late. From multi-instrumentalist Benj Rowland and Bluegrass band Crooked Creek, to the Québécois trad folk sound of La Déferlance, the program has something for everyone. Among other highlights are Ryan Young, a traditional fiddler from Scotland, and Swedish duo Silverfura, who specialize in traditional folk tunes from their home country.
The McDades. Photo provided.
If you enjoy Celtic-inspired music with a punch, be sure to catch Juno award-winning musical family The McDades on Saturday night. This group packs a unique Celtic-rooted sound, and a fiery live show, fusing the spontaneity of jazz improvisation with infectious global rhythms.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional Celtic sound, you won’t want to miss local fiddle supergroup Women of Fiddle featuring Anna Ludlow, Terri-Lynn Mahusky, Sherryl Fitzpatrick, and Karen Steven who bring a range of fiddle styles and step dancing to the stage. Another pick for anyone with a taste for traditional Celtic tunes is Sassenach, a Montreal-based group who blend innovative arrangements of traditional Irish, Scottish, and Québecois tunes with original compositions in the traditional style.
This year’s festival also carries on a strong tradition of showcasing local Celtic musicians, featuring plenty of talented area musicians. Community favourites the Barley Shakers, the fine fiddling of Kyle Felhaver, the Almonte Legion Pipe Band, Fromage à Trois, and Valley Voices of Almonte are on the bill this year.
Maggie’s Wake. Photo provided.
On the dance side of things, the program will also showcase the energy and intricate footwork of the Kitchen Party Steppers and dancers from the McGrath School of Irish Dance. Upcoming local talent will also be showcased at the presentation of the Danny O’Connell Memorial Award and the youth stage on Sunday. Maggie’s Wake will close out the weekend with a musical one-two punch of original tunes and a rich Celtic sound that is sure to get you up and out of your camp chair one last time!
Rounding out the event, there will be Celtic College workshops where you can pick up a new instrument and learn some tunes from local and touring musicians, a Lil’ Celtz area with activities for the kids, buskers performing around town, Gaelic sports demonstrations, a late night jam session on Saturday, food trucks, a cash bar, artisanal vendors, and a shade tent. Altogether, this is a family-friendly event with something for everyone.
Almonte Celtfest takes place July 4-6, 2025 in Gemmill Park (182 Bridge St.). Tickets for opening night are $35, and are available through Front Door Plus and at the gate (cash only).
Check out their website for details and follow @AlmonteCeltfest on Facebook and Instagram for festival news and updates.
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