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Venue Info

Come explore our vibrant music and activity venues, where energy and creativity come to life! Enjoy live performances, music events, and engaging activities in spaces with stunning acoustics and state-of-the-art sound systems. Whether it's a concert or interactive workshop, each venue offers an unforgettable experience!

National Celtic Folk Festival
National Celtic Folk Festival
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The Celtic Club

Our largest marquee on site. This is the lively venue with plenty of high energy and fun. The venue has tables and chairs and a bar,

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The Village Tavern

This is a marquee on the festival site. We create the feeling of a wine bar. Tables, Chairs, great atmosphere and a bar.

National Celtic Folk Festival
National Celtic Folk Festival
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Parks Hall

This is a seated concert venue in a large community Hall. At times during the week-end the venue is transformed to a Ceili space ( to dance ).

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Paddy Church

St Patrick's Church

A walk up Harding street brings you to this warm, quite, medium sized church venue. This has production ( PA ) and hosts some lovely concerts.

National Celtic Folk Festival
National Celtic Folk Festival
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St Johns Church

A short stroll along Brown street to this venue. Host to small concerts and workshops.

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The Rotunda

Set in the middle of town this historic building will come alive with an interactive installation and in between that you are bound hear the sound of Pipes coming from above.

National Celtic Folk Festival
National Celtic Folk Festival
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The Session Bar

A cozy spot amidst bustling market stalls and food vendors. Free music during the day ( non ticketed ) and Sessions ( ticketed ) into the night. Bar, Tables and Chairs - the next best thing to a Celtic Pub. This is a new venue for 2024.

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National Celtic Folk Festival
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National Celtic Folk Festival
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The Club Room

Just near the Rotunda you will find the Club Room. A seated, warm venue hosting concerts ( PA system ) and a range of activities across the week-end.

St Andrews Church

Across the road from the festival site in Newcombe Street this church venue will host acoustic concerts and workshops.

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Festival Hub

You will find over 70 Markets Stalls and Food Vendors with something to tempt you with, Wander around this area of the festival at your leisure. You will come across a range displays and demonstrations across the festival - highland cattle, hurling, pipe bands, a labyrinth and much more.

The Enterprise

This historical tall ship will head from Melbourne to Portarlington for the week-end with sails around the bay scheduled each day - you may even find a festival musician on board to set a festival mood. Tickets on board.

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National Celtic Folk Festival
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Accommodation

Portarlington, a charming bayside town on the Bellarine Peninsula and  offers the perfect backdrop for your festival experience.

 

Conveniently located, Portarlington is just a 30-minute drive from Geelong or a short

20-minute trip from the Queenscliff ferry terminal.

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Ways to Stay by the Bay

Looking for the perfect place to stay during the festival?
Portarlington and the surrounding areas offer a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget.

Wake up to ocean views at the Portarlington Beachfront at the Bellarine Bayside Holiday Park, enjoy a touch of luxury with glamping by the bay, or unwind in one of the many holiday rentals and local stays dotted around the Bellarine Peninsula.

 

Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or flying solo, you’ll find the ideal base for your winter getaway.

Book Early!

Accommodation fills quickly during festival season — so be sure to book early to secure your spot and make the most of your stay.

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COMING SOON

National Celtic Folk Festival
National Celtic Folk Festival
National Celtic Folk Festival
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Festival Camping & Ferry Packages

Make your trip even easier with our Festival Camping Packages ( in partnership with our friends at Bellarine Bayside ) and Ferry Packages ( with long time partner Searoad Ferries )  available through our Tickets Page. Whether you’re arriving by car or by sea, these convenient options let you stay close to the action and soak up the full festival atmosphere.

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COMING SOON

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  • Our first ticket release will go on sale to subscribers in November then early bird tickets go on Sale in in December — just in time for your Christmas shopping!

  • Yes! We have a fun and engaging kids’ program with family-friendly performances and activities designed for all ages. Check the program closer to the festival for details.

  • Yes, day tickets will be available, subject to capacity. Keep an eye on our Tickets Page for release dates and pricing.

  • The full festival program will be available to view and download online ahead of the event. Printed programs will also be available at festival venues during the weekend.

  • The Monday concert finishes at approximately 3:00 PM, giving everyone time to relax and enjoy the final day before heading home.

  • We’d love to have you on the team! Visit our Volunteers Page to register your interest — applications open soon. Volunteers enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience and help make the festival magic happen.

  • Yes, accessible parking is available close to main venues. There is tons of free parking in Portarlington.

  • Yes! The festival market is open to the public, so everyone can enjoy browsing stalls, food trucks, and local crafts without a ticket.

  • Portarlington and the region  offers a wide range of accommodation — from beachfront caravan parks and glamping to holiday rentals and local stays. Check our Accommodation Page for details and be sure to book early.

  • No, on-site camping isn’t available, but there are plenty of great camping options nearby at the Bellarine Bayside Holiday Park, located right on the Portarlington foreshore — just a short walk or shuttle ride from the festival venues.

  • No, seating is provided and all the venues are heated and undercover. The festival has a range of large and small venues scattered around the town and within walking distance.

  • No, all our venues are undercover and heated for your comfort. We Celts know a thing or two about managing winter weather.

  • Hit the Subscribe button below or sign up via the Subscribe form at the bottom of our website to join the festival mailing list. You’ll receive updates on ticket releases, lineups, and special offers.

  • Bar ticket booths in both venues, eftpos machines, cash sales in Session bar and tickets can be used in all venues.

  • Yes, we accept Companion Cards. Cardholders can bring their companion free of charge. Simply provide your card details when booking.

  • Getting to Portarlington is easy, no matter where you’re coming from! It’s just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne via Geelong and the Bellarine Highway, or a scenic ferry ride across the bay. Take the Port Phillip Ferries service from Docklands directly to the Portarlington foreshore, or travel from the Mornington Peninsula on the Searoad Ferries between Sorrento and Queenscliff — only a short 25-minute drive from Portarlington.

    Flying in? Avalon Airport is just 45 minutes away, and Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is around 90 minutes from town. Car hire and shuttle transfers are available from both airports. During the festival, a free shuttle bus runs between venues and caravan parks for ticketed patrons.

FAQ'S

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Shuttle Bus

All festival venues are within a pleasant walking distance, but for added convenience a free Festival Shuttle Bus will run exclusively for ticketed patrons throughout the weekend. 

 

The shuttle operates continuously between the caravan parks at either end of town, with an optional stop at St Patrick’s Church on request—just let the driver know. 

 

Each loop takes around 30 minutes, offering a quick and easy way to move between venues so you can relax and enjoy a hassle-free festival experience.

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National Celtic Folk Festival
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