Celtic Faire

Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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.

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 Confectionery. Don’t miss our sale of freshly baked Irish Soda Bread and more.

Games of Skill & Spirit

Cheer on the Buffalo Heavies as they compete in historical Scottish demonstrations of strength, agility, and skill. Then, jump into the action yourself—visitors are invited to join the atheletes for an impromptu sheaf toss on (Saturday at 3 p.m. $) to test their own strength and technique.

Join Roc City Gaelic to try hurling and learn more about Gaelic football and camogie. A practice net will be setup for visitors, and a hands-on youth clinic will be Sunday.

Explore Celtic-based tabletop and lawn games including birinig, boules, birlos, croquet, quoits, sheaf toss, and Irish rings.

Heritage Music, Dance & Folklore

Rock out to the stirring rhythms of A Bit of Irish Street Band and C omhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann of Rochester. Listen as the campus echoes with the thrum of traditional melodies as played by Celtic Spirit Pipe Band, Feadán Òr Pipe Band, and Roc City Guardians Pipes & Drums. Heart-pounding dance demonstrations by ROCeltic, Rochester Academy of Irish Dance, and Flint Hill Dance Troupe will keep you on your feet!

Dive into Welsh folklore, dance, music, and culture with the return of Ruthanne Ankney. Try the ancient arts of Celtic wheat weaving and lacemaking. Visit Fantigrossi Farms’ Highland coos. Request a tune from rover piper, Tim Swan.

Tales That Travel

with Kara Larson Maloney

Step into a world where legends live! Guests help shape the legend of King Arthur, discovering how myth grows through shared experience. Spread across Britain and beyond through oral tradition, Arthur’s tale was carried by travelers bearing news, songs, and stories from afar, each retelling shaped by the voice, culture, and imagination of its teller. Inspired by creative improvisation and modern role-playing traditions, this interactive program reveals why Arthur’s story never stayed the same — and why that kept it alive.

Clan Booths

Chat with visiting clan representatives for more information on lineage, genealogy, tartan history, and a host of other topics!

Mystical Adventures at the Nature Center

Returning favorite Katfish Mermaid brings Celtic sea lore to life, inviting guests to meet the “real Rochester mermaid,” snap a photo, and try on mini fins. Guest author Gael Orr will present her new fairy tale collection, filled with uplifting lessons in confidence and kindness for young readers. You can also mix your own fairy dust and sip color-changing lemonade in the Fairy Circle, then wander the self-guided Fairy Trail to visit the Wishing Log.

Specialty Vendors

From delectable Welsh cookies to exquisite knotwork jewelry, and fairy paraphernalia to gorgeous knits, be sure to bring your màileid-pòca (wallet) when exploring our array of specialty vendors!

Interested in becoming a vendor at Celtic Faire? Click the button below to learn more!

Ticket Information

Buy online before Friday at 5 p.m. and save $2!

Museum Members:

FREE

General Public:

Adults 18-61: $23 online before Friday | $25 online after Friday at 5 p.m. and at the gate

Seniors 62+ and Students 13-17: $20 online before Friday | $22 online after 5 p.m. Friday and at the gate

Youth 4-12: $17 online before Friday | $19 online after 5 p.m. Friday and at the gate

Age 3 & Under: FREE

Tickets are not yet available for this event.

Interested in becoming a Museum Member to enjoy this free event admission? Click here to learn more about joining the Museum as a Member!

Notice something new? We have a new ticketing system! We hope you’ll find this easy to navigate and appreciate your patience as we roll it out. If you are having issues or have questions, please email info@gcv.org. Thank you, as always, for your support of the Museum!

FAQs

Is there ample parking?

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.

How do I show my purchased tickets?

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.

is this event rain or shine?

Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.

Are there places where I can sit down?

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.

How should I dress?

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.

Are service animals welcome?

Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.

What if I need a refund for my ticket?

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.