All EVENTS
PIPES & DRUMS
VISUAL ART
HIGHLAND CATTLE
DANCE
HURLING
CULINARY
WORKSHOPS
FAMILY
THEATRE
HEAVY GAMES
SWORDPLAY
ST AYLES SKIFFS
The National Celtic Folk Festival transforms Portarlington into a vibrant hub of Celtic and folk culture over the June long weekend, from June 5-8, 2026.
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.
Workshops
A highlight of the National Celtic Folk Festival, these sessions offer the chance to learn from some of the world’s finest Celtic artists.
Join workshops and masterclasses led by exceptional performers—open to all levels and designed to inspire.
Family
A Magical Experience for Families
The festival offers a range of family-friendly activities inviting children and adults to explore Celtic culture together.
Enjoy hands-on workshops, captivating performances, and displays of dance and swordplay—immersing young and old alike in the magic of Celtic traditions.
The Heavy Games
Watch the world’s strongest athletes take on traditional Highland events like caber tossing and hammer throwing.
Held Saturday and Sunday with male and female divisions, bringing a true taste of Scotland to the festival!
Theatre & Spoken Word
Theatre, Storytelling, and Spoken Word
After last year’s celebrated program, we’re excited to bring new theatre performances in 2025. Expect captivating shows, thought-provoking storytelling, and creative workshops that celebrate Celtic culture, 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
Last year’s full-scale hurling match was a festival highlight, thrilling audiences with its speed, skill, and intensity.
Events like this showcase the excitement and energy that make the National Celtic Folk Festival so unique. We’re thrilled to bring the hurling clash back in 2026, giving you another chance to witness Victoria’s best hurlers in action!
Gathering at the Hearth
Join us for a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, drawn from the festival’s hearth fire, honouring the land, its First Nations custodians, and the spirit of the festival.
Continue the tradition of creating Clooties—cloths inscribed with gratitude and hopes—fostering connection and reflection.
St Ayles Skiffs
Sailing into Tradition
Last year, St Ayles Skiffs delighted festival-goers with their timeless craftsmanship and competitive spirit.
Events like this celebrate the heritage of coastal communities and the enduring connection between the Celtic people and the sea, reminding us of the importance of preserving traditional crafts.
Dance
The Celtic Dancing program, a vibrant heartbeat of the festival, is back and bigger than ever.
With showcases, ceilidhs, and workshops for all ages and abilities, join in, feel the rhythm, and connect with the community through this timeless tradition.
Pipes & Drums
The festival proudly presents a full program of piping and drumming throughout the weekend.
Immerse yourself in the haunting sounds with themed concerts, masterclasses, and workshops for all skill levels, and don’t miss the impressive Pipe Band and Drum displays. An unforgettable showcase of talent and tradition!
Swordplay
The Celtic Dancing program, a vibrant heartbeat of the National Celtic Folk Festival, is back and bigger than ever.
With dynamic showcases, two lively ceilidhs, and a variety of workshops, this year’s program invites festival-goers of all ages and abilities to join in.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, feel the rhythm of Celtic music and connect with the community through this timeless tradition.
© 2025 National Celtic Folk Festval.
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