24th Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games

September 13 & 14, 2025 | Saturday 10am-10:30pm; Sunday 10am-6:30pm

 

Attractions

Living History

Throughout the weekend you'll see history and culture come alive in various ways, all thanks to those who honor all aspects of Celtic life. Better yet, you can join in! Hear stories, peruse specialty collections, learn about swordfighting, and more.

the 13th realm
The 13th Realm

The 13th Realm are re-enactors who recreate European 13th century. Their family-friendly demonstrations and artifacts allow guests to have a greater understanding of this era.

Cobblestone Alpacas
Cobblestone Fiber Designs

Cobblestone Fiber Designs uses various fiber crafting techniques including weaving, knitting, crochet, hand-dying, and more. Visit their booth for first-hand demos of these ancient arts, and to purchase a variety of goods such as clothing, jewelry and artisinal soaps.

High Striker Game
High Striker Game

"Step right up and test your strength!" A high striker, also known as a strength tester or strongman game, is a century-old attraction used in funfairs, amusement parks, and carnivals. Players swing a hammer to strike a lever, which sends a puck up a tower - the more strength, the higher the puck goes!

Ruff Rock Mining LLC
Ruff Rock Mining LLC

Fossils or gemstones...which will you pick? Select your bag of sand, pour it into a tray and let a 10-foot water sluiceway reveal your surprise treasures! Ruff Rock Mining also offers a unique collection of rocks, cut gems, geode crackers and fossils, many of which are labeled by the location they were found.

SHFT
Society for Historical & Fantasy Times (SHFT)

Saturday Only

Gain wonderful knowledge and hands-on experience with ancient weapons and battle skills. SHFT members perform demos all weekend long, giving presentations and letting guests join in as well.

spangler forge
Spangler Forge

Spangler Forge is a true blacksmith shop: no power hammers, hydraulic presses, or propane forges. Their popular showcases combine traditional hand-forging techniques with modern metallurgy, creating unique and lasting pieces. Human spirit meets hot iron, just like it has for thousands of years.

wishing tree
The Wishing Tree

The tree's origins come from old Celtic traditions; variations include Fairy, May, and Votive Trees. Visitors add wishes (or prayers) as offerings to saints, deities or wee folk. At weekend's end they are ceremoniously sent to the heavens, where we hope many receive help in coming true!

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Clan Village

The history and pride of many Celtic people thrives in the descendants of the original families of Scotland and Ireland, known as Clans. They honor their ancestors by celebrating the traditions and heritage that have held their families together for generations. A visit is highly recommended, as the living history of Clan Village cannot be missed.

We're honored to welcome members of MacNeil Association of America for their 2025 Annual General Meeting!

Clan Campbell

Clan Campbell

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Celtic College

Celebrating history and heritage of the Celts is a priority for the Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival. The Celtic College hosts a series of cultural classes and lectures designed to educate and enlighten you. Here's your chance to learn first-hand about bagpipes, Celtic poetry, genealogy and more- new topics every year. Make sure your visit includes one or more of these FREE classes!

Saturday, Sept. 14

Times
Class

 1:00pm

 Music of Ireland

 with Tom Keefer

Learn about the music and culture of Ireland and its impact on the world.

2:00pm

Welsh Fiddle & Song

with Sally Schaefer

Study various traditional Welsh folk tunes and songs.

 3:00pm

 

 

 

 4:00pm

Songs & Stories of Irish Soldiers in the American Civil War

with Don Dwyer

Discover the songs that 180,000 Irish immigrants sang who fought for the Union in the Civil War.

 5:30pm

VIP Whisk(e)y Seminar

Details Coming Soon

 

Sunday, Sept. 15

Times
Class

 1:00pm

 

 

 

 2:00pm

Haunted Sites of Ireland

with Eileen Canning-DiPasquale

Get ready to explore the supernatural side of Ireland's many castles, abbeys and graveyards.

  3:30pm

 VIP Whisk(e)y Seminar

Details Coming Soon

 

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Animals

Niagara Celtic hosts a wonderful array of demonstrations and hands-on experience with a variety of animals, including breeds direct from the British Isles whenever possible.

dove release
Dove Release & Showcase with Katie Martin

Saturday Only

Be at the Wee Folk Shire on Saturday at 12:30pm for the end of the Opening Ceremonies, so your kids can delight in a professional dove release. Learn about the birds and see their skills in action!

agility dream dogs
Agility Dream Dogs

Sunday Only

A popular attraction has returned! Enjoy the amazing skills and tricks of some wonderful Shelties (a Scottish breed) and their friends.

Shenandoah Acres Petting Zoo
Miniature Horse Show 

by the North-East Herd Niagara Co. 4H Club

Sunday Only

Miniature horses are making their Niagara Celtic debut at the outdoor riding arena in Dagda Faire! Learn the history of this amazing breed while watching demos of their skill, grace, and athleticism.

Sheep Dog Herding with Flying Bucket Farm
Sheep Dog Herding with Flying Bucket Farm New!

Saturday Only

Sheep dog herding is a centuries-old tradition with roots in Scotland and Wales, where dogs were first bred to assist farmers in herding sheep. Herding is a thrilling display of canine skill and teamwork.

Shenandoah Acres Petting Zoo
Shenandoah Acres Petting Farm

Experience a wonderful array of farm animals. All ages will delight as they meet and learn about the lives of alpacas,  chickens, goats, bunnies, and more!  

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Wee Folk Shire

 

Open Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Wonder and adventure are found everywhere in Niagara Celtic's Wee Folk Shire. Journey through four mini-lands designed to encourage education, imagination, active play and togetherness.

Highlander’s Field
  • Highlander's Practice Field: caber toss, stone throw, sheep toss, knight sword play
  • Finn McCool’s Giant’s Causeway Hopscotch
  • Pot O’Gold Toss
  • Wee Castle Golf
  • Walk the Plank Toss
Vale of Glamorgan
  • Bubble Garden
  • Daffodil Ring Toss
  • Cornish Crow Kay
  • StoryTeller's Tree
Queen’s Keep

  • Face Painting
  • Celtic Crafts
  • Weaver's Workshop
  • Celtic Music Makers
  • Knots & Crosses (tic tac toe)
  • Draughts (checkers)
  • Toddler Pixie Play Area
  • Face-In-the-Hole Boards - photo opportunities
  • Special Guest Performances

Whimsy’s Knob
  • Brittany Bowling
  • Turtle Bay fishing & sand play
  • Gnome Hole
  • Building Blocks in Gobban the Builder’s Hut
  • Castle Play
wondermakers
Interactive Story Theater with The Wondermakers New!

Saturday Only

Get ready to dive into tales told through imagination and audience participation! Kids will delight as the energetic Wondermaker cast members bring stories to life in fun (and funny) ways.

storyteller's tree
The Storyteller's Tree

Storytelling was vital during the time of ancient Celts, as a way to share history, lessons and fantasy.  Whether it's a fanciful teller of tales or a talking tree, spend time relaxing with our storytellers. Showtimes and story lengths vary.

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