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Celtfest brings music, dance and heritage to Almonte this weekend

Almonte Celtfest
Almonte Celtfest. Photo credit: Almonte Celtfest Facebook [facebook.com/AlmonteCeltfest/]
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LAURIE WEIR

If toe-tapping fiddles, spirited step dancing and the joyful noise of a community coming together sound like your kind of weekend, make your way to Gemmill Park for Almonte Celtfest.

The 29th edition of the beloved three-day celebration runs July 4 to 6, and features a full slate of Celtic and folk performances, workshops, street entertainment, children’s programming and more. Admission is by donation, with a ticketed Friday night concert to kick things off.

Opening night begins Friday in the park with a high-energy concert lineup. The Bytown Sea Shanty Collective leads an early-evening singalong, followed by Métis fiddler Alex Kusturok, and then the Mudmen take the stage to close out the night with their signature Celtic rock.

The event remains grounded in its original mission: to promote culture, accessibility, and community, as the event showcases local talent and make the experience welcoming for everyone. 

Gemmill Park will host a weekend of family-friendly fun, with artisan vendors, food and drink options from Calabogie Brewing and Base Camp Brewing, and an open invitation for informal jam sessions and ceilidhs. Children will find plenty to do under the Little Celtz tent, while long-time festivalgoers can expect performances by returning favourites and new voices.

The festival also shines a light on young talent through the Danny O’Connell Memorial Award, which supports promising fiddlers in financial need. The award was created to honour the legacy of Danny O’Connell, a gifted local musician and Celtfest regular who died in 2004 at the age of 24.

Celtfest’s organizers, all volunteers, are ready to welcome both long-time attendees and first-time visitors for a weekend of music, memory and movement.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, sun hats and their best singing voices. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted, but outside alcohol is not. Bags and coolers may be searched at the gates.

Founded in 1997 by Brian O’Connell, Dan O’Connell and Terry Currie, Celtfest was created to honour the Ottawa Valley’s rich cultural roots in Scottish and Irish music and dance. Over nearly three decades, the event has grown to reflect the wider cultural heritage of Mississippi Mills, including ties to the Francophone and Algonquin (Anishnaabeg) communities.

For a full schedule and ticket details for Friday’s show, visit almonteceltfest.com.

What not to miss this weekend in Almonte

1. Friday night concert (July 4)
Gemmill Park opens at 5 p.m. for an electric night of music.

  • Alex Kusturok, the high-energy Métis fiddler, hits the stage at 6:30 p.m.
  • Bytown Sea Shanty Collective leads a crowd singalong at 7:45 p.m.
  • Celtic rock legends The Mudmen bring it home from 9 to 10:30 p.m.
    (Ticketed event: $30 in advance, $35 at the gate.)

2. Music all weekend (July 5–6)
Free (by donation) concerts include: Barley Shakers (1 p.m. Saturday); followed by: Fromage A Trois, Kitchen Party Steppers B,en J. Rowland, Crooked Creek, Women of Fiddle, Ryan Young, La Deferlance, The McDades and a Celtic session at the legion caps the evening at 9:45 p.m. 

Sunday concerts include a fiddle mass at Holy Name of Mary Parish at 10:30 a.m. At noon, the Almonte Royal Canadian Legion Pipe and Drum Band will play, followed by the Danny O’Connell Memorial Award, the Youth Showcase, Sassenach, Kyle Felhaver Band and the McGrath School of Irish Dance.

3. Celtic College Workshops (Saturday, 10 a.m.)
Learn from the pros. Fiddle, guitar, and stepdance workshops run Saturday morning. No registration required — just bring your instrument and a smile.

4. The Little Celtz Zone (12 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)
Crafts, games, face painting and mini performances for the young (and young at heart). Drop in for bubbles, rhythm sticks, or a puppet show break.

5. Buskers Downtown (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday)
Roaming performers will pop up throughout the park. Expect spontaneous ceilidhs, jam circles and fiddle battles under the trees.

6. Gaelic Sports Demo (Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Catch the thrill of Irish hurling and Gaelic football with demos and hands-on fun.

7. Artisan Market and Food Vendors
Local makers and tasty eats from across Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley. Look for woodcraft, woolens, sweet treats, and beer.

8. Danny O’Connell Memorial Award
Presented to an outstanding young fiddler in honour of Danny O’Connell, one of Celtfest’s founding inspirations. The recipient performs on the main stage, 12:40 p.m. Sunday.

9. Festival hours: Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Activity hours and schedule are subject to change without notice. Free parking at Gemmill Park (by the splash pad/ball diamond), John Levi Community Centre/Arena and in town on the streets.