What do your icons mean?
Our icons, which we use in our branding, each represent a Celtic nation. We honor all 7, which help us show love to all with Celtic origins, no matter their size or contributions to Celtic culture.
Who do I contact if I would like to volunteer at the festival?
Please email: volunteers@niagaraceltic.com or visit our Volunteer Page for information.
Do you allow on site camping?
No, there is no space for camping; the entire grounds are used for parking and the festival. For nearby campsites please check our 'Stay Nearby' section.
What does admission include?
All entertainment, events, attractions, and kids activities. You may choose to purchase food or products from vendors. Occasionally we offer special events for an additional price, which are listed prominently in our advertising.
Do you offer ticket discounts?
Pre-sale discounts, special discounts and group tickets are available. View ticket info. for options and to purchase.
Where do I park? What is the cost?
On-site parking space is limited. Once you reach the grounds we will help direct you to the closest possible parking spot based on your arrival time.
How accessible are your grounds?
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There is a special parking area along the Ticket Entrance. Follow the traffic staff and signs once you reach the festival.
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Our grounds are very large, so be prepared to do plenty of walking or moving to see everything. The festival has accessible restrooms and wide, paved paths connecting large parts of the festival.
We do not have on-site wheelchairs, canes or other personal needs, so please remember to bring your own.
Anything othen than wheelchairs, single-rider scooters/ people movers will not be allowed on the grounds (i.e. bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, etc. are not permitted).
We do not permit our transportation to be used for any private deliveries, tours or other personal trips. Vehicles are on-site strictly for emergencies and grounds/ staff use only.
How do I find out about lodging?
Click Here to view places to stay nearby, which includes hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, campgrounds and more.
Do you have an ATM?
Yes, we have ATMs inside festival grounds. They are located at the Ticket Gate (in Madoc Yard), Fireside Pub (in Fiddler's Green), the Culture Center (in Camdenshire), and the Operations Gate (in Highland Park).
Can I leave and re-enter the festival?
Tickets include wristbands which allow same day re-entry anytime at all our gates.
What Can We Bring With Us?
What is Allowed?
You Cannot Bring:
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Animals other than dogs
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Drones
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Outside alcohol
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Outside food & drink
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Coolers and baskets
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Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, etc.
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Peddling or soliciting
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Also...smoking is not allowed on the grounds
Any items brought onto the festival grounds from this list, or which are deemed a nuisance or danger to others, must be removed from the property upon request. Guests may be removed from the premises as well with no refunds.
Can I come in costume?
Absolutely! We encourage all guests to come in costume or garb. If you want to dress up but have no outifts, no worries: vendors will be stocked with everything from kilts to chain maile, head garland to cloaks. Looking for an outfit before you arrive? Visit our Resource Center for ideas.
Want to show off your Celtic pride but are not ready to wear full garb? You'll find a wonderful assortment of shirts, hats and more for sale celebrating everything Irish, Scottish, Welsh and more.
Is there shade on the festival grounds?
The fairgrounds has many trees, along with buildings and shelters. During the festival, many tents are also brought in to help act as cover.
Are there Restrooms?
There are 3 pairs of restrooms on site. Several portable sanitary facilities and hand washing areas are also be available.
Will my kids enjoy the festival?
Yes, it is a wonderful event for children of all ages, and 12 & under are Free. There are special performances for kids, souvenirs, kid-friendly food, mini highland games training, and a huge area filled with countless activities and crafts. Better yet, nearly everything offered for kids is Free (except food and vendor purchase)! The paths through the fairgrounds are suitable for strollers. Sorry, but we do not host carnival rides. Click here for more info.
Can I bring a cooler?
No, coolers, baskets, and all outside food and drink (except water) are NOT permitted on the grounds. You will be turned away at the gates, so please leave your items at home or in your car.
Are you open during inclement weather?
We are open rain or shine, and do not offer refunds in the event of inclement weather.
Can I bring my pet with me?
Only dogs are permitted at the fairgrounds with a waiver . Please read our rules and print the waiver here before you come!
**No other animals/ pets are allowed for their safety and the security of others.
I lost something at the festival, whom do I contact to see if it has been found?
Lost items may be turned in to Guest Services, located at the Ticket Entrance. All items will be kept for at least 30 days after the Festival. To inquire about lost items, call 716-778-5730 or email vickib@niagaraceltic.com.
The Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival staff and volunteers take no responsibility for personal effects and possessions left on premises during or after any event. We do, however, maintain a lost and found and will hold recovered items at least 30 days. Every attempt will be made to return any recovered item to its rightful owner.
I'm interested in donating or supporting the Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival. How do I go about this?
We very much appreciate those interested in supporting our efforts! The best way to support us is to attend our festival as a guest. Your paying ticket allows us to keep the festival going, plus you help support our vendors and performers. Proceeds also give us the opportunity to "pay it forward" and donate to other groups in our local and Celtic communities. Niagara Celtic is run by The Niagara Celtic Heritage Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization.
What is your protocol for a lost child?
If anyone in your party goes missing please notify the nearest security staff. They will commence a sweep of the grounds and work with the entire festival staff, using safety protocols, until the missing person(s) are found.
What should I do in the event of an emergency if I am on festival grounds?
Our First-Aid station, run by local fire safety and medics, are located on the northside of The Great Hall. If you are unable to reach the entrance, notify the nearest festival volunteer or security staffer and they will ensure the first-aid staff comes to you.
In the event of a large emergency, information and instructions will be announced on stages and over the fairground-wide sound system. In a suspension of operations, guests are encouraged to seek shelter in the permanent structures of the property, or to vacate the grounds if it is safe to do so.
Why do you charge a fee at the gate?
Few festivals anywhere are free to attend. Most require parking fees, tickets for highlight events, free to enter but charged per activity, or like us and many others, admission. Why? We pay for nearly everything happening on our grounds: hundreds of performers, historians and special guests, animals, security, insurance, electricity, activities, tents, chairs, benches, and on and on and on. Any festivals that are free are either small, government supported, or have no bills. Niagara Celtic is proud to be self-sustaining, while continuing to give back to countless other businesses, groups and performers by including them in our weekend events.
Niagara Celtic is similar to The Sterling Renaissance Festival, Darien Lake or any other place that has activities from sunrise to sunset included in the fare. Plus children 12 & under are not charged admission...and we spend a large budget annually to ensure there's plenty of activities for kids.
So to sum up, your admission covers all the wonderful things you see and do all weekend-long, and towards the next year's festival (with any minor surplus supporting other local and Celtic groups/ activities...so it all goes back to our community). We're so grateful for all the support throughout the years, which allows our festival to continue growing, making it bigger, better and more worth the admission every year!
