A festival of Pipes & Drums
The festival proudly presents a packed program of piping and drumming that will resonate throughout the weekend.
Immerse yourself in the haunting sounds with themed concerts, masterclasses, and workshops catering to all skill levels. Be sure to catch the impressive Pipe Band and Drum displays.
Unforgettable showcase of talent and tradition!
.jpg)
Gourmet Irish Cooking
This year, the festival is partnering with renowned Irish chef Declan McGovern, who will showcase his culinary skills by blending fresh local produce with traditional Irish flavors. Having worked in both NYC and Galway, Ireland, Declan brings a global perspective to every dish.Masterclass information to be released shortly.
The Heavy Games
The Heavy Games are back this year – where the world's strongest athletes take on traditional Highland events! Witness raw strength and skill with caber tossing, hammer throwing, and other awe-inspiring feats of power.
The competition runs across Saturday and Sunday, featuring both male and female divisions—bringing you a true taste of Scotland to the festival!
Geelong vs. Melbourne
– The Ultimate Hurling Clash
Special Event - For the first time ever at the National Celtic Folk Festival, we’re staging a full-scale hurling match between two adult rival teams!
Geelong vs. Melbourne – The Ultimate Hurling Clash
Witness Victoria’s best hurlers battle it out in this fast-paced, high-intensity match, showcasing skill, speed, and power.
If you’ve never seen hurling live, this is your chance to experience Ireland’s most thrilling sport in action!
Gathering at the Hearth
Join us in a powerful and moving Welcome to Country, accompanied by a Smoking Ceremony that draws its fire from the festival’s hearth fire. These ritual honors the land, its First Nations custodians, and the shared spirit of the festival.
As part of this tradition, we will continue the annual practice of creating Clooties—cloths on which we inscribe our gratitude's and hopes for one another, the festival weekend, and the future.
This symbolic act fosters connection and reflection, adding a meaningful layer to our
shared experience.
Family - *Children 12 + under have free entry
A Magical Experience for Families: with a variety of activities designed for children, the festival offers a unique experience for families to explore Celtic culture together.
The Festival offers an array of family-friendly activities designed to enchant children and adults alike. From hands-on workshops and captivating performances to displays of dancing and swordplay, there’s no shortage of fun and wonder at this year’s festival. With an exciting mix of sounds and spectacles, children will be immersed in the magic of Celtic traditions and the lively atmosphere.
Dance
The Celtic Dancing program, always a vibrant and energetic heartbeat of the National Celtic Folk Festival, is back this year and promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Featuring a dynamic mix of showcases, two lively ceilidhs, and a variety of dance workshops, this year’s program is set to captivate festival-goers of all ages and abilities.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a beginner, there’s an opportunity to jump into the rhythm of Celtic culture, feel the pulse of the music, and connect with the community through the timeless tradition of Celtic dance.
St Ayles Skiffs
"Sailing into tradition: For the first time St Ayles Skiffs set to highlight at the Festival with timeless craft and competitive spirit"
These beautifully crafted Scottish boats, steeped in tradition, will not only highlight the rich history of coastal communities but also showcase the artistry involved in their construction. Their appearance at the festival serves as a reminder of the enduring link between the Celtic people and the sea, as well as the importance of preserving traditional crafts in a modern world.
Theatre & Spoken word
"Theatre, Storytelling, and Spoken Word: The Festival delivers a bold lineup of performances and conversations"
The Theatre, Story, and Spoken Word program returns for 2025, offering an exciting blend of captivating performances, thought-provoking storytelling, and creative workshops that span generations, cultures, and genres.
This year's program includes original works and literary explorations that highlight the depth of Celtic culture, with a strong emphasis on community, history, and identity.
Visual Art
Art installations reshape the festival landscape into a dynamic, interactive canvas that resonates with the energy of its surroundings.
By blending visual artists and musicians, we demonstrate the transformative power of multidisciplinary collaboration, offering an immersive cultural journey that lingers long after the last note fades.
Hurling
Discover the rich history of hurling, its emergence in Australia, and the incredible story of the Geelong Rules—the first known published set of hurling rules in the world (1863). This speech will explore the deep roots of the game and its lasting.
Parade to the Exhibition Hurling Game
Led by a traditional pipe band, the Geelong Grasshoppers will march to the field in a parade inspired by the All-Ireland Final tradition at Croke Park, Dublin.
Geelong Grasshoppers Exhibition Game
A showcase of future hurling stars! Young players will compete in a ground hurling match, where the ball can only be struck along the ground—perfect for developing skills and passion for the game!
Poc Fada – The Ultimate Test of Power Who can strike the sliotar the furthest? Inspired by the legendary Cúchulainn of Irish mythology, the Poc Fada challenges players to launch the ball from their hurley with precision and force.
Highland Cattle
We know how much everyone adores the Highland Cattle, and we’re excited to share that plans are in motion to welcome some of these charming guests to the festival!
Known as "Heilan coos" this iconic Scottish breed hails from the rugged Scottish Highlands and Western Isles. With their distinctive long horns and shaggy coats, these rustic cattle are a symbol of Scotland’s heritage.
Workshops & Masterclasses
Learn from the Best: Masterclasses and Workshops
A unique and exciting feature of the National Celtic Folk Festival is the opportunity to learn from some of the best Celtic artists in the world.
This year, festival-goers can step out of the audience and into the spotlight with workshops and masterclasses led by extraordinary artists who are taking time out from their busy gigging schedules to share their skills and knowledge.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced participant, these sessions are designed for all abilities, giving attendees the chance to learn directly from the masters.
The National Celtic Folk Festival transforms Portarlington into a vibrant hub of Celtic and folk culture over the June long weekend, from June 6 to 9, 2025.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Festival, where over 60 national and international acts converge to create an exciting program. With events spread across more than 10 venues, attendees can dive into music, dance, theatre, storytelling, literature, and more.
Workshops, masterclasses, visual arts projects, and themed events, ensuring a rich and immersive experience for all. The bustling festival market features over 80 stalls - food trucks, artisan markets, Celtic crafts, session bar and interactive demonstrations. Additional attractions include ancient rituals by open fires, highland cattle exhibits, and Gaelic football displays, making it a festival for everyone.
The National Celtic Folk Festival transforms Portarlington into a vibrant hub of Celtic and folk culture over the June long weekend, from June 6 to 9, 2025.
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Festival, where over 60 national and international acts converge to create an exciting program. With events spread across more than 10 venues - music, dance, theatre, storytelling, literature, and more.
The bustling festival market features over 80 stalls - food trucks, artisan markets, Celtic crafts, session bar and interactive demonstrations. Ancient rituals by open fires, highland cattle exhibits, and Gaelic football displays, make it a festival for everyone.