National Celtic Festival

Driven by a love for Celtic culture, the National Celtic Festival was established over two decades ago in Geelong. This festival emerged from an aspiration to bring people together and honor Celts living in Australia. The inaugural event focused on traditional festivities such as live music, exquisite cuisine, and delightful camaraderie!

This festival has undergone an impressive transformation for the past two decades while still honoring its original traditions. After moving to Portarlington in 2004, the National Celtic Folk Festival is now a winter highlight for visitors of all ages during the June long weekend every year. There are more than ten venues that offer something for everyone, including Irish and Scottish ceili dances, bush dancing exhibitions, theater performances, pipes and drums displays, as well as Celtic martial arts demonstrations, plus recently added Heavy Games competitions.

On June 9th-12th, 2023, Portarlington will come alive with the National Celtic Festival! An extravagant winter celebration along the foreshore and all around town that brings together top Folk and Celtic artists and performers. With an unbeatable lineup of entertainment, you don't want to miss this one for a night full of fun and craic!

This lively, multi-day event will have something for everyone with live music, bars and pubs, markets full of delightful food choices, and dances. Or, if you're feeling extra festive, join the workshops ranging from poetry writing to bagpipe playing! Get in on the action and be a part of this electrifying celebration.