Almonte Celtfest is celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer, and organizers are inviting the community to enjoy a special edition of the festival at Gemmill Park from July 3 to 5.
The festival promises a jam-packed weekend featuring performances by powerhouse Celtic family band Leahy, CFMA-award-winning P.E.I. singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant and Celtic rockers the Derina Harvey Band. To mark the anniversary, all three days of festival programming will be offered by donation.
From the trad sound of Kelly Sloan & Jig to the Québécois folk of Bon Débarras and Cécilia, to crowd-pleaser CR5 Bluegrass, the program offers something for everyone. Other highlights include Chelsey June & the Woven Ones and U.S.-based Irish musician Ailíse.
The festival also continues its tradition of showcasing local talent, with area musicians and performers including the Barley Shakers, the Almonte Legion Pipe Band, the Ottawa Celtic Choir, Graham Lindsey & Friends, Nichols School of Highland Dance and the Joe Ray McDonald Band.
While the main stage remains the festival’s centrepiece, there is plenty more to experience. Saturday morning workshops offer lessons and activities ranging from step dancing and guitar to fiddle instruction for all skill levels. The toughest part may be deciding which workshop to attend.
The festival will also feature a Celtic Market with artists, makers and food vendors, along with crafts, yard games and face painting for children. Visitors can also enjoy Gaelic sports matches hosted by the Ottawa Gaels, performances by the Riversong Players and other buskers along Mill Street, and a late-night jam session on Saturday.
Organizers are also seeking volunteers for the festival weekend. Whether you can contribute several hours or just one, volunteers are welcome to sign up through the form available at AlmonteCeltfest.com. Those who register may receive a commemorative 30th-anniversary T-shirt.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the festival are encouraged to contact organizers.
Those eager to get an early start on the celebrations can visit 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. Visitors can also view a Celtfest 30 display at the Almonte branch of the Mississippi Mills Library featuring photos and festival memorabilia. Dates and times are available on the Celtfest website and social channels.
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 takes place July 3-5, 2026, at Gemmill Park in Almonte.
For details, visit AlmonteCeltfest.com and follow @AlmonteCeltfest on Facebook and Instagram for festival news and updates.
SOURCE: Almonte Celtfest.
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