CelticFest Vancouver Celebrates Irish Heritage Month and 22 Years of Music and Culture in Downtown Vancouver
February 1, 2026 – Vancouver, BC – CelticFest Vancouver returns this March, marking 22 years of Celtic music, dance, and culture in the heart of the city. Western Canada’s largest annual Celtic festival runs March 13–15 2026, bringing three days of live performances, community celebrations, and St. Patrick’s Day spirit around Vancouver.
Festivities kick off Friday, March 13 with the much-loved Ceilidh (Irish Dance), featuring the Blackthorn Band, and wrap up Sunday, March 15 with a free, all-ages Family Day Festival in downtown Vancouver. The St. Patrick’s Day–themed celebration includes live music and performances, Irish dancing, a Celtic marketplace, food trucks, games, sports demonstrations, Irish Wolfhounds, face painting, bouncy castles, and more.
For more than two decades, CelticFest Vancouver has brought the stories, sounds, and traditions of the Celtic nations to thousands of festival-goers each year. In addition to the free Sunday festival, ticketed events throughout the weekend include a performance by the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir, the variety show WHAT’S THE CRAIC? A Night of Irish Devilry, and CelticFest at The Hollywood Theatre on Saturday, March 14.
The Hollywood Theatre show features returning CelticFest favourite Paul Caldwell, joined by The Whisky Dicks and Michael Burnyette, for a high-energy night of Irish music and crowd-pleasing performances. Sunday’s free Family Day Festival will showcase both new and returning artists, including Eamonn McHale, Jocelyn Petit, and traditional dance performances by the O’Brien School of Irish Dance.
Festival-goers can also explore a curated Celtic marketplace featuring international snacks, photo opportunities, and locally made Celtic crafts. Local sports teams and community groups will be on site sharing games and traditions, while mobile bars and food trucks serve up beverages and international cuisine.
“For more than two decades, CelticFest Vancouver has remained one of the city’s most beloved celebrations,” says Alan Cosgrave, Vice President of the CelticFest Vancouver Board. “Despite the challenges of recent years, the festival continues to bring together Irish communities, Vancouverites, and visitors alike through a shared love of music, dance, art, and culture. Blending traditional Celtic sounds with contemporary influences, CelticFest creates a space for connection and celebration across generations. As we mark Irish Heritage Month in March, we’re proud to honour the deep roots and growing presence of the Irish community in Vancouver and to continue offering a free, inclusive festival where everyone is welcome.”
Celebrate the CelticFest spirit on Saturday, March 14, at the Hollywood Theatre in Kitsilano for an unforgettable evening of music, performance and Irish celebration. CelticFest Vancouver Family Day takes place Sunday, March 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at šxwƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, located north of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
This event is proudly sponsored by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, Four Lakes Mechanical Ltd., Whelan Construction and PW Trenchless.
Full festival details, schedules and ticketed events, will be added to the website in coming weeks. www.celticfestvancouver.com
About CelticFest Vancouver
CelticFest Vancouver has been a registered non-profit society since 2004. The organisation’s mission is to bring together the local community in an annual festival celebration of Celtic Culture, deliver education on global Celtic heritage, art and cultural traditions and promote and showcase local and international Celtic music, dance, spoken word, theatre, film, art, crafts, food and beverage. For more information visit www.celticfestvancouver.com and follow @celticfestvan
Event Details:
When: Friday March 13 – Sunday March 15 2026
Where: Various venues
Tickets: Some ticketed events + a free family festival
www.celticfestvancouver.com
