Living History
Throughout the weekend you'll see history come alive in various ways, all thanks to those who honor centuries of Celtic culture. Better yet, you can join in! Hear stories, join a sing-along, learn about swordfighting, and more.
The 13th Realm
The 13th Realm are re-enactors who recreate European 13th century. Their family friendly demonstrations and activities allow guests to have first-hand experiences with this wonderful part of our past.
British Car Club of WNY
**Sunday Only**
Come see just a few of the wonderful cars displayed by the WNY BCC. Their primary purpose is two-fold: to foster camaraderie and good will among enthusiasts of British cars, and to exchange ideas and technical expertise attendant to the restoration and preservation of British cars.
Clan Stewart Presentations
Mary, Queen of Scots
Come and learn about the life of Mary Stuart, one of the most legendary Queens of Scotland. The presentation runs all weekend-long.
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!
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 is a true blacksmith shop: no power hammers, hydraulic presses, or propane forges. They combine traditional hand-forging techniques with modern metallurgy to create unique and lasting pieces. Human spirit meets hot iron, just like it has for thousands of years.
Stand Sure Craft & Carving New!
Enjoy a hands-on demonstration of woodcarving and woodcrafting, using a combination of old-style and modern tools and techniques. View a variety of completed projects and designs, and enjoy conversing with the artisans on their skills and knowledge.
Sterling Invaders
Direct from The Sterling Renaissance Festival, these invaders are here to share in the fun and joviality of the Ren Faire with our guests. You never know where you’ll meet them, but they’re sure to make your visit more wonderful. They may even get you involved in their fun as well!
Stoney Meadows Alpacas
Come and see the age old tradition of fabric production through weaving. Stoney Meadows is bringing a wonderful display to show you start to finish what it takes to produce fine fleece cloth. You can also shop from their large assortment of beautiful, completed works of hand-woven shawls, hats, gloves and scarfs.
Clan Village
The History and pride of the Scottish 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.
Welcome to our 2022 Clans!
Clan Gunn Host Clan!
Clan Hunter
Lindsay Assoc. of USA
Clan Little New!
Clan Masonic
O'Keefe Clan New!
Clan Turnbull
Host Clan!
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. 17
Times |
Class |
|---|---|
11:00am-12noon |
Legends of Celtic Goddesseswith Eileen Canning-DiPasqualeAncient folklore includes many tales of Celtic goddesses...what where they trying to teach us thousands of years ago? |
1:00-2:00pm |
The Eisteddfod: Welsh Music, Poetry and Dancewith Sally SchaeferLearn and experience the Welsh Eisteddfod, an annual cultural festival and competition in traditional music, poetry, dance, and more. |
2:00-3:00pm |
Highland Taleswith Elliot MacFarlaneJoin Elliot MacFarlane as he brings history and fables to life. Enjoy a journey back in time to the yesteryears of Scotland. |
| 3:00-4:00pm | Basics of Genealogywith Jeanette SheligaThis class is perfect if you're considering exploring your family's history, or if you need a little help with genealogy research. Learn tips and secrets to help you get started. |
4:00-5:30pm |
Illuminated Lettering 101with Vic ThibaultCreate your own illuminated letter in the style of Illuminated Manuscripts, such as The Book of Kells, which is currently housed at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. |
Sunday, Sept. 18
Times |
Class |
|---|---|
11:00am-12:00pm |
|
1:00-2:00pm |
Weaponsmithing and Prestige in Viking Age Settlementswith Matt HollandLearn about the basics of Scandanavian Iron Age weapons, form and function, archaeometallurgy, and prestige in design and burial practices. |
2:00-3:00pm |
Ancestral Scottish Herbalismwith Kristin Grohman, EthnobotonistHead back in time to the view our Scottish ancestors' world of traditional herbal medicine, plant folklore, and health practices. |
3:00-4:00pm |
Recreating an Erie Canal Boatwith John Montague from Buffalo Maritime CenterIn anticipation of the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal Opening in 1825, The Buffalo Maritime Center is constructing a replica of DeWitt Clinton's boat, 'Seneca Chief', which performed the “Wedding of the Water". Join this lecture to see their plans and progess. |
4:00-5:00pm |
Niagara County's Famous Irish Men & Womenwith Anna Marie LinnaberyNiagara County has been home to many people of Irish descent, some famous, some infamous, others somewhere inbetween. Learn how these Irish men and women figured into the history of Niagara County in the 19th and 20th centuries. |
6:00-7:00pm |
Drumsmoke - A Drum Nation Experiencewith Tuatha Dea Drum NationCome and learn how a drum’s energy can build self confidence, team building, self expression and over all personal health through the power of rhythm. Learn and practice drum patterns using provided drums (or bring your own). No experience necessary. |
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.
Agility Dream Dogs
**Saturday Only**
Enjoy the amazing skills and tricks of some wonderful Shelties (a Scottish breed) and their friends. Catch their show twice daily at the Special Events Field.
Dove Release w/ Katie Martin
**Saturday Only**
Make sure to get to the Wee Folk Shire on Saturday at 12:30pm so your kids can delight in a professional white dove release. Learn about the birds and see their skills in action!
Pony Rides by Niagara Downunder
Come and meet these beautiful ponies, who love our guests- especially the wee ones. Your kids can enjoy a free pony ride, allowing hands-on fun plus great photo opportunities.
Family Friendly
Kids of all ages can find endless fun throughout the grounds from the music to the food, demonstrations to attractions. We've made it easier for your to plan your outing by highlighting amazing family-friendly activities you won't want to miss!
Balloon Art Fun by Mr. NO the Balloon Guy
**Saturday Only**
Watch magic and art combine as Mr. NO creates balloon sculptures of all kinds! Kids will delight as ballons are transformed into delightful characters. Find him in the Wee Folk Shire on Saturday.
Bard of Basswood
The Bard of Basswood is returning! At various times during the festival you'll find him telling wonderful tales under The Storyteller's Tree. You may also get to meet him whenever our favorite tree wanders the grounds!
Mobile Planetarium from the Challenger Learning Center
Step inside and enjoy a show of constellations. Enjoy a journey through the same stars that ancient Celts saw in the night sky. Located in The Great Hall. Limited shows daily, visit for showtimes!
Miniature Golf by Puttering Around LLC New!
**Sunday Only**
Please Note: fee charged to play; located at the Special Events Field. The modern game of golf originated in 15th century Scotland. To honor this, we're hosting a mini-golf course for the first time!
Magician Nick Mambretti New!
**Sunday Only**
Nick has been magically entertaining humans of all ages in Buffalo NY, Niagara, Rochester, Fredonia, & surrounding regions with his unique blend of engaging wonder, relatable story telling, & comedy for over a decade. Catch his unique show at the Wee Folk Shire on Sunday afternoon.
Nixie, the Magical Fairy Harpist
**Saturday Only**
Enjoy the ethereal sounds of the harp from our visiting fairy! She will appear and perform in the Wee Folk Shire during the afternoon. So if you hear the music playing, follow it and enjoy the show!
The Storyteller's Tree
Storytelling was vital during the time of ancient Celts, as a way to share history, lessons and fantasy. Come and sit for a while as you enjoy tales covering everything from Celtic to local heritage. Whether it's a fanciful teller of tales or a talking tree, spend a little time relaxing with our storytellers. Showtimes and story lengths vary; visit often during festival weekend!
The Fairy Queen has returned and called for a Quest!
Visit the Queen’s Keep in Wee Folk Shire to get your booty bag of loot, and use the map therein to find the challenges required. Once you have completed the Quest, be at the Keep at the specified time, where the Fairy Queen will make a special appearance for the Knighting Ceremony!
Wee Folk Shire
Open Daily, 11am-5pm. 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.
Queen’s Keep
- Fairy Queen Knighting Ceremony
- Face Painting
- Celtic Crafts
- Special Guest Visits! (view the festival schedule for details & times)
- Kiddy Ceilidh (Sunday only)
Whimsy’s Knob
- Pot O’ Gold Toss
- Brittany Bowling
- Walk the Plank Toss
- Turtle Bay Fishing and Sand Play
- Building Blocks in Gobban the Builder’s Hut
Vale of Glamorgan
- Bubble Garden
- Daffodil Ring Toss
- Sprout Garden
- Cornish Crow Kay
Highlander’s Field
- Caber Toss
- Stone Throw
- Connemara Pony Obstacle Course
- Finn McCool’s Giant’s Causeway
- Loch Ness Miniature Golf
Wishing Tree
The tree's origins come from old traditions in Celtic nations; variations include Fairy Trees, May Trees, Votive Trees, and more. Visitors add their wishes as offerings to local saints, deities or wee folk, in hopes they can receive help or guidance towards their wish or prayer. At the end of the weekend all wishes are ceremoniously sent to the heavens with help from the Fire Sculpters, where we hope many receive help in coming true!
