About Us
Berea Celtic Fest and Gathering
- It is fair to say that the beginning of, what is now considered a Berea signature event, sprung out of wakes of the former Berea Int'l Festival, regular live music events at the former Main Street Street and at the Berea Center for the Arts (the former Berea Movie Theater) combined with a genuine desire to grow Celtic and especially Irish folk music in Central Kentucky in an environment that was already known for embracing numerous shades of The Arts.
- The first gathering took place in 2009 and has grown little by little to where we are today with 60+ excellent musicians, singers and dancers from more than twelve states and sometimes from across the pond. We are proud to say that the majority of the participants come back to inspire and to be inspired by their peers.
- The support by local businesses, organizations and the participants is immense and extremely valuable for this quaint little town that is located where the mountains meet the Bluegrass.
Come as you are.
- The Folk Circle Association of Berea is the sponsor of this event, and we are well aware of the fact that we cannot and will not compete with large events in Milwaukee, MI and Dublin, OH and will probably never have a budget that can justify a large scale event. Hence, we are way more a gathering than a festival, and we make strong efforts to welcome musicians of all skill levels with the hope that useful and meaningful relations can be created for the benefit of this unique genre and the folks who enjoy it. We can't make anyone rich financially, but our aim is to enrich all with quality workshops, presentations, concerts and lasting friendships.
- The intention with our GATHERING is that participants come as individuals and not as bands. However, we recognize that some musicians come as bands and hope that they will mingle in a positive way with all the other participants.
- Payment. We are not in a position where we can enter contracts with individuals or bands, but what we can do financially is to provide musicians who perform, dance leaders and workshop presenters with a travel stipend, some food and potentially homestays.
Program
See full schedule for our gathering under PROGRAM.
Tickets at the door, or at EventBrite.
Thursday 8/13, 7:00 PM
Friends Meeting House, 300 Harrison Road
Opening night.
$15.
Friday 8/14, 7:00 PM
Kentucky Artisan Center - live music. Donations
Folk Center - concert and gathering/session.
$10 and up, up, up. You decide.
Saturday 8/15
Boone Tavern Garden - 6 hours of sessions.
Cowan Chapel - presentations. $5 per presentation.
Kentucky Artisan Center - live music.
Folk Center - dance and bodhran workshops. $5 per workshop.
Union Church steps - live music.
Union Church - Celtic Celebration Concert. $25.
Sunday 8/16
10:30 AM: Celtic inspired service at Union Church
Kentucky Artisan Center - live music.
5:00 PM: Concert at Saint Clare Catholic Church,
Parish house on Chestnut Street.
DETAILED SCHEDULE UNDER PROGRAM.
Hotel Boone Tavern Reservations
Identify as: Berea Celtic Festival 2026
$132 - $199 + taxes.
Phone: 859-985-3700.
Website:
boonetavernhotel.com - BOOK NOW
Group ID code: 300018
Special rates are available till 7/15, 2026.
If guests want to book an extra night before or after
contact reception to get similar price.
Red Roof Inn
Booking code: Sune - Celtic
$70 + taxes.
Free outdoor pool, great parking, f
ive minutes from College Square
Phone: 859-985-8000
Berea Tourism
859-986-2540
Ask for other motels, B&Bs, etc.