September 13 & 14, 2025 | Saturday 10am-10:30pm; Sunday 10am-7:00pm
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 are re-enactors who recreate European 13th century. Their family-friendly demonstrations and artifacts allow guests to have a greater understanding of this era.
Stop by Celtic Spirit's booth to meet their members, learn about their pipe band and the instruments they play.
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.
"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!
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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!
Times |
Class |
---|---|
1:00pm |
Celtic Mystical Menageriewith Kenneth R McIntosh From dragons to kitty cats, and water beasties to hounds, Celtic legends are filled with creatures natural and magical. Learn about a great many creatures, and the ancient researchers who studied them. |
2:00pm |
Highland Attire: 1250 to Modernwith Sue Anulis Travel through the centuries as attire transitioned with the latest trends and needs for daily life. Includes looks at gowns, plaid weaving, pleated wool kilts, and draping airsaids. |
3:00pm |
The Celts: Past & Presentwith Kyle McCollum of SYR TBA |
4:00pm |
Make Your Own: Celtic Illuminationwith Vic Thibault Create and take home an illuminated letter at this popular, step-by-step class! This unique art style comes from ancient Illuminated Manuscripts like The Book of Kells, which is currently housed at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. |
5:00pm |
Private Event |
Times |
Class |
---|---|
1:00pm |
Alawon Sesiwn: Welsh Trad Songs & Tuneswith Sally Schaefer Take a deep dive into Welsh songs and lyrics. Listen to live performances as you learn origins and historical backgrounds, thematic motifs, practical applications, and their ongoing revival in modern Wales. |
2:00pm |
Weaponsmithing & Prestige in Viking Age Settlementswith Mathew Holland Explore the archaeology, history, and folklore of weapons found in Norse-Celtic settlements and burials. Learn their meaning within the Norse-Celtic diaspora, along with who the cultures viewed and depicted each other. |
3:00pm |
Cornel Cymraeg: Intro to Welsh Speakingwith Christine McSorley A popular, not-to-be-missed lesson! Learn the Welsh alphabet and a few phrases with Welsh language expert Christine McSorley. |
4:00pm |
Through Irish Eyes: Buffalo History in Songwith Tyler Bagwell Experience live performances of songs connected to Ireland and Buffalo. |
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.
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!
Sunday Only
A popular attraction has returned! Enjoy the amazing skills and tricks of some wonderful Shelties (a Scottish breed) and their friends.
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.
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!
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.
Come one, come all! See the masterful blend of puppetry and storytelling from yester-years. Puppeteer Franklin LaVoie's masterful skills delight audiences young and old.
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.