Celtic Faire

Join us at GCV&M for an annual favorite – the Celtic Faire!

Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14, 2026

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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, and so much more.

Event Sponsor

Ticket Information

GCV&M Member admission is FREE and guaranteed for this event.

Become a Museum Member to enjoy free admission to this event plus FREE daily admission May – October.

Museum Members	Purchased Online in Advance	Purchased at the Door
Members	FREE	FREE

Buy online and save $1!

General Admission	Purchased Online in Advance	Purchased at the Door
Adult (18+)	$24	$25
Student (13 – 17) & Senior (62+)	$21	$22
Youth (4 – 12)	$18	$19
Child (3 & under)	FREE

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. Museum Members will need to login to received discounted Member pricing and more information on how to do that is available here. Thank you, as always, for your support of the Museum!

An Array of Celtic Traditions

Great Meadow 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!

Heritage Music, Dance, and Folklore
- Rock out to the stirring rhythms of Celtic Spirit Pipe Band, Feadán Òr, Roc City Guardians Pipes and Drums, and C omhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann of Rochester. Listen as the campus echoes with the thrum of traditional melodies as played by local pipe bands. Heart-pounding dance demonstrations by ROCeltic and Rochester Academy of Irish Dance will keep you on your feet!
- Listen in to Livingston County Historian Holly Watson share about Sara jane McBride, a 19th-century Caledonia woman who was one of the pioneers of entomology and fly tying.

Games of Skill & Sport
- 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 athletes for an impromptu sheaf toss on (Saturday at 3 p.m. $) to test their own strength and technique.
- Explore Celtic-based tabletop and lawn games including birinig, boules, birlos, croquet, quoits, sheaf toss, and Irish rings.

Historic Village Highlights

Take a walk through our Historic Village to the sounds of bagpipes, visit with costumed interpreters, take a Toward Freedom & Fairness tour, visit the farm, and so much more.

On Village Square, chat with visiting clan representatives for more information on lineage, genealogy, tartan history, and a host of other topics. Clans include Baird, Wallace, Hannay Society, Kerr, Sinclair, Barclay, the Donnachaidh of the Northeast, and the Cumming Society.

Dive into Welsh folklore, dance, music, and culture with the return of Ruthanne Ankney. Discover the ancient art of Celtic wheat weaving and transform golden stalks of wheat into intricate Celtic designs

On Saturday, join Dr. Virginia Utermohlen Lovelace and the Finger Lakes Tea Co. and sip a delicious Irish tea while learning about the Irish cuppa, its history, and its traditions. Then on Sunday, Dr. Utermohlen will share about Celtic neolithic monuments and agricultural.

John L. Wehle Gallery

1 p.m. | Sara Jane McBride: Pioneering Entomologist and Fly Tyer
Livingston County Historian Holly Watson shares the story of Caledonia resident Sara Jane McBride.

Home to an extensive collection of 19th-century clothing and sporting and wildlife art, the John L. Wehle Gallery includes three rotating exhibits and several smaller displays. Exhibits include:

An Extraordinary Attraction: 50 Years of History, Art, and Nature (NEW in 2026)
Color Me Calico: A Taste for Prints and Parties
Perceived Realities: Wildlife, Land, & Myth

Genesee Country Nature Center

The Genesee Country Nature Center is a fantastic place to explore the flora and fauna of the Genesee Valley Region. Take a hike on a nature trail (ranging from .5 – 1.3 miles), learn from a resident naturalist, meet animals up close and personal, and so much more.

Back by popular demand, KatFish Mermaid will welcome children young and old on Saturday (includes tail try-on!).

On Sunday the fairies come out at the Nature Center! Alongside crafts and activities with GCV&M Naturalists like fairy tea featuring color-changing lemonade, Gael Orr will offer story time featuring her new children’s book, “Little Renee of Sunshine and the Everkind Tales”.

Food & Beverage

Stop into these locations for a bite to eat or something to drink!

Depot Restaurant
- Open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (grill closes at 3)
- Grab a wrap or burger and a drink.
Freight House Pub
- Open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Grab a small bite and a craft beer or cider.
D.M. Munger Confectionery
- Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Located on the Square in the Historic Village
- Stop in for Village-made cookies, candy, hand pies, and more!
Whistlestop Bread Sale
- To be announced
- Get there early and purchase a fresh-baked good made right here at GCV&M. Hurry – the bread sells out FAST!
Hosmer Taproom
- Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Located in Hosmer’s Inn
- Stop in for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and hand pies available for purchase.
Pavilion Garden Restaurant
- Located in the Historic Village
- Ice cream, hearty sandwiches and more!

Music & 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!

Shopping at the Flint Hill Store

After you peruse vendor upon vendor around the Great Meadow for your Celtic wares (and wears!), be sure to stop in the Flint Hill Store, located adjacent to the admissions tunnel. From handcrafted goods made right here in the Historic Village, to treats and sweets, Museum apparel, local art, decor, and more, there’s something for everyone in the Flint Hill Store.

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.