Annual Celtic and Irish music event in Central Kentucky

Located in the heart of the city, Berea Celtic Fest and Gathering takes place in beautiful surroundings in the cozy and quaint little town of Berea, where the mountains meet the Bluegrass. 

It is important that we are able to share the event with as many people as possible and therefore it is a city-wide event with many free sessions and some workshops, presentations and concerts where the audience or participants pay a very reasonable fee.

The Boone Tavern Garden on College Square is very beautiful in mid-August and it is here we have our Saturday sessions. Often six hours in a row. Musicians take turns stirring the pot and it is a tremendous asset for us.

Over the years, Boone Tavern has also hosted a Sunday brunch accompanied by Celtic music.

The Russel Acton Folk Center is the homebase of The Folk Circle Association. It is inspired by a small Danish country community center in north west Jutland.  Often we have our Friday evening concert here followed by a session for all musicians. The folk center is also used for our Saturday workshops.

Union Church has over the years proved to be a solid partner. On Saturday, we feature two or three exciting presentations in the rustic Cowan Chapel next to the main church. The acoustics is just perfect there. Saturday evening's gala concert usually takes place in the main church and both the musicians and audience love love it.

Before the gala concert, we always offer a free buffet in the community room for volunteers, guests, musicians, dancers and singers.

Other locations we have used over the years include Papa Leno's, Memorial Park, The Farmers' Market, Berea College Book Store, Boone Tavern patio, the former Main Street Cafe, Berea Center for the Arts (Old movie theater),Madison County Public Libraries in Berea and Richmond, The Paddy Wagon, and The Arts Council.

Berea Celtic Fest and Gathering is known for its laid back and yet professional approach to the Celtic traditions of music, songs, dance and storytelling.  We are way more a gathering of committed, enthusiastic, talented and skilled folks than a traditional festival. Perhaps due to the fact that we live in a low-income area, where monies don't flow as fast as in larger cities. However, participants who come here  from near and far bring all their skills and desire to share them graciously with a big heart.  

When you come to Berea and you need a meal there are several options to satisfy your desire.  The town can offer a wide range of eateries.

Berea Celtic Fest and Gathering takes pride in being a city-wide event with many locations where live music, dance and singing take place. Close by, you find many eateries.

On College Square, there is an Italian style restaurant, authentic Mexican bistro, locally owned coffee shop, and the more posh Hotel Boone Tavern.

In Old Town/Artisan Village, the visitors can find a bakery/coffee shop and a pizza place.

Near Exit 76 there is a Cracker Barrel, Japanese and Mexican restaurants, country cooking, etc.

Near Exit 77 you can find country cooking, a Mexican restaurant, The Artisan Center cafe, etc.

At the Berea Country Club it is worth trying a meal at Honeysuckle.

Chestnut Street has several options as well.

There are several fastfood restaurants and gas stations where you can buy burgers, hotdogs and cookies, etc.

Saturday night Berea Celtic Fest and Gathering will host a great meal for all musicians and volunteers in the community room at Union Church.