Downtown Bellingham is set to host festivities celebrating Celtic culture through music and workshops with the Bellingham Celtic Festival. Held from September 19 to 22, the event will transform the downtown area into a vibrant cultural showcase.
With shows and experiences held at popular spots like the Blue Room, Honey Moon Meadery, Boundary Bay Brewery, and Uisce Pub, you’ll find a range of activities to enjoy, including music, workshops, and pub sing-alongs. It’s a great opportunity to explore Celtic traditions and enjoy what Bellingham has to offer.
Origin of the Bellingham Celtic Festival
The festival began as the Bellingham Irish Festival in 2015. As it grew, it evolved into a broader Celtic festival. In 2023, the Mount Vernon-based nonprofit Celtic Arts Foundation, known for producing the Skagit Valley Highland Games and hosting year-round events at the Littlefield Celtic Center, officially launched the Bellingham Celtic Festival.
The festival draws attendees and performers from both local and international locations. “Folks attend the festival from all over the Pacific Northwest, and some from further afield. Many performers and instructors are international, traveling from Scotland, Ireland, Spain, and Canada,” says Cayley Schmid, director of the Celtic Arts Foundation. “We also feature musicians from the vibrant Bellingham Celtic music community.”
Events at the Bellingham Celtic Festival
The festival will feature ticketed events at the Blue Room on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, showcasing talented touring performers and instructors. Other downtown venues will host pub sing-alongs and Celtic music workshops. A full list of events is available on the festival schedule page.
Organizers encourage everyone to attend. Whether you’re a Celtic festival veteran or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone.
“You don’t have to know anything about Celtic music or culture to enjoy the weekend. Folks can wander between events, many of which are free to attend,” Schmid says. “In just a few blocks, you can listen to a session, enjoy some whisky, learn a Gaelic song, and perhaps meet a wandering musician. Enjoy the wonderful businesses downtown while celebrating Celtic music and community.”
How to Fully Enjoy the Bellingham Celtic Festival
Check the schedule and highlight your top events to make the most of the festival. Events are à la carte, so check each listing to find out which are all ages, ticketed, or have food available for purchase.
There is no printed program, so downloading a free app is the easiest way to navigate the weekend. From there, you can ‘star’ events you want to attend, buy tickets, and learn more about the performers and instructors,” says Schmid. The festival’s schedule page lists instructions for finding and downloading the app.
Musical Acts at the Bellingham Celtic Festival
The festival will feature a diverse lineup of musical acts, including Hildaland, Magill, Murray, Goff, and The Faux Paws.
Hildaland
Hildaland, featuring Orkney, Scotland fiddler Louise Bichan and Indiana mandolinist Ethan Setiawan, will perform at the festival for the first time. Their music blends Scottish, old-time, and Swedish traditions with contemporary compositions.
“We’re excited to be back in Bellingham and catch up with everyone, hear some other artists, meet new people, and perform new music we’ve created since we were last in town,” Bichan says. “We love coming out to the Pacific Northwest to play and can’t wait to be part of this great festival.”
Magill, Murray, and Goff
Fiddler Andrew Finn Magill, a North Carolina Arts Council Fellow, has appeared on MTV, TEDx, PBS, and NPR. Alan Murray, a sought-after Irish accompanist, has toured with bands like Lúnasa and The Battlefield Band. Piper and flutist Ivan Goff has performed with Riverdance, collaborated with Sting, and is now part of the Irish supergroup Danú.
The Faux Paws
The Faux Paws blend diverse musical traditions, defying easy classification. Known for their dynamic and irreverent style, they take risks with their music, shifting seamlessly between influences while maintaining a compelling groove.
Get Celtic in Bellingham This September
In September, the Bellingham Celtic Festival will bring Celtic culture to life in downtown Bellingham. Running from September 19 to 22, the festival offers something for everyone, whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious. Be sure to check the festival schedule, download the app, and immerse yourself in this exciting celebration in the heart of downtown Bellingham.
