An annual favorite!
Join us at GCV&M for an annual favorite – the Celtic Faire! From the Scottish Highlands, Emerald Isles, and rugged Welsh coastline to the Genesee Valley, Celtic traditions and roots run deep. Explore this rich culture at our pan-Celtic celebration of heritage music, dance, and authentic food and drink. Shop specialty vendors, see artisan demos, watch exciting Highland games, explore the Historic Village, find out about your family history at the clan booths, explore tartans in the John L. Wehle Gallery, and so much more.
Tickets are not yet available for this event; check back in the coming months!
Event sponsor:

Enjoy traditional foods, treats, and craft beverages
From Scotch eggs to historically-based craft beers on tap, the Museum will be bustling with good eats on this festival weekend! Visit historic Hosmer’s Inn Taproom for beverages and hand pies, and fine fresh baked goods at the D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery!
Heritage Games, Music, Dance & Folklore
Cheer on the Buffalo Heavies as they compete in historical Scottish demonstrations of strength, agility, and skill:
Rock out to the stirring rhythms of A Bit of Irish Street Band and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann of Rochester. Listen as the campus echoes with the thrum of traditional melodies as played by by local pipe bands. Heart-pounding dance demonstrations by ROCeltic, Rochester Academy of Irish Dance, and Jamieson Irish Dance & Creative Arts will keep you on your feet!
Dive into Welsh folklore, dance, music, and culture with the return of Ruthanne Ankney. Explore Breton folk songs and dance with Michael MacNintch and Alexander Bartholomew. Hear classic legends of Celtic King Arthur with Kara Larson Maloney. Discover historic crochet and lacemaking with Deborah VanDieren of Bobbins by VanDieren.
John L. Wehle Gallery
“Tartan & Plaid Mania!”
Saturday, June 21 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This curatorial talk traces the history and tradition that is plaid and tartan. How has this fabric taken the world by storm, and how has it changed over the ages? This talk is paired with exciting plaid and tartan items from 19th-century America. Hosted by curator Brandon Brooks in the Meeting Center.
Clan Booths
Chat with visiting clan representatives for more information on lineage, genealogy, tartan history, and a host of other topics!
Specialty Vendors
Vendor information is not yet available; check back in the coming months!
Looking to be a vendor at our annual Celtic Faire? Click the button below to apply!
Ticket Information
Museum Members | FREE
Adults: $23 online | $25 onsite
Seniors 62+ and Students 13-18: $20 online | $22 onsite
Youth (3 – 12): $17 online | $19 onsite
Children under 2 | FREE
Tickets are not yet available for this event.
GCV&M Member admission is FREE and guaranteed for this weekend. Click here to learn more about joining the Museum as a Member!
FAQs
Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking.
Please have your ticket(s) either printed out OR pulled up on your phone screen and ready for scanning for quick and easy check-in. Pro-tip: take a screenshot of each of your tickets to have ready and pulled up on your phone screen! Please note: Wifi can sometimes be spotty at the front of the Museum.
Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.
There are lots of park benches and picnic tables around the Museum Grounds. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket to sit on to watch the goings-on around the Great Meadow.
Please dress accordingly for the predicted weather conditions.
We recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes – there is a lot to see and do, and surfaces in the Historic Village (brick paths, cobblestone, grass), can be uneven.
Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program.