History of Celtic Fest Chicago

The inaugural Celtic Fest Chicago took place September 21-22, 1997 on Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard in Grant Park. Its lofty goal was to educate the public on Celtic music and culture from the 7 Celtic nations. Those nations are Ireland; Scotland; Isle of Man; Cornwall; Wales; Galicia, Spain; and Brittany, France. Headliners the first year included John McDermott, La Bottine Souriante, Altan, Leahy and Carlos Nunez.

The festival was unique in that it highlighted different Celtic instruments such as the Harp and the Uilleann Pipe, which is the Irish bagpipe worked by pumping air into it with an elbow.

Celtic dancing has been a big part of the festival since it began. Local dance schools showcase their students on their own separate stage. Fest goers were introduced to ceili dancing and eagerly participated.

The bagpipe parades through festival grounds have been a tradition at the event since the beginning. The general public is invited to parade along with the pipers.

Over the years, we’ve added the Gathering Tent, now programmed by our Presenting Sponsor, FlyNovaScotia.com; a Celtic Cultural Tent, Sheepherding demonstrations in Butler Field each day, which has proven to be a very popular family destination; a Men in Kilts Leg Contest; a Coffee & Tea Garden; an upgraded children’s area featuring musical performances and new for 2009 is a traveling exhibit titled: Come Back to Erin: Irish Travel Posters of the 20th Century.

2009 marks the 13th Anniversary of Celtic Fest Chicago.