It seems like multiple festivals are happening somewhere in the greater Austin area nearly every weekend in the fall. If there’s one on our list that’s a can’t-miss, it’s the Austin Celtic Festival.
A Celebration of Celtic History and Heritage
According to History, the Celts were an ancient collection of tribes scattered throughout Europe, covering areas in Britain, France, Spain, and Ireland. The Austin Celtic Festival is a chance to celebrate the culture of the Celts through music, games, crafts, and folklore.
The festival will take place over the weekend of November 5th and 6th, 2022 from noon until 7 PM on Saturday and noon until 6 PM on Sunday. All of the festival’s events and activities will happen at Pioneer Farms. Single-day tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for kids 5 to 16. A weekend pass is $42 for adults and $20 for kids.
Whereas other Celtic festivals around the country might present a watered-down version of an actual Celtic event, Celtic Life International has praised the Austin event for going “beyond gimmicks to highlight traditions and achievements in a way that reminds audiences of the extraordinary craftsmanship and study that made places like Ireland & Scotland leaders in folk music and dance.”
Traditional Celtic Culture
You’re pretty much guaranteed to be immersed in history from the moment you set foot on Pioneer Farms for this yearly festival. Festival Director Donnelle McKaskle says guests will get to learn about what life was like in an early Celtic tribal village through a living demonstration that includes crafts and Celtic weaponry. Visitors will also have the chance to try their hand at archery with traditional Celtic bows and arrows or take a class to learn authentic Celtic dances.
There will also be animals used by the ancient Celts such as Irish Wolfhounds, Clydesdales, and sheep herding demonstrations. Guests will not only have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Celts but can take a little piece of the culture home with them. Dozens of vendors will be set up and selling handmade crafts for any visitors hoping to knock out a little holiday shopping.
Without a doubt, one of the most popular parts of the Austin Celtic Festival is the Highland Games. Guests are invited to watch and cheer on participants as they test their strength and accuracy with games such as caber tosses (hurling a telephone-pole-sized log!) and the stone put.
Song and Dance
Perhaps the biggest draw of the Austin Celtic Festival is the roster of world-renowned Celtic musicians. Around half of the musicians who take the stage at the festival are from the Austin area and the other half are from all over the world.
This year’s performers include both bands such as Altan, and the Tannahill Weavers, as well as duo John Doyle and Mick Mcauley, and solo artist Máirtín de Cógáin, among others. There will also be dance groups and storytellers sharing Celtic lore of old.
The Austin Celtic Festival is one of the many great things about living in the Texas Hill Country. If you’d like to find a home here, reach out to the Caliterra team to learn more about our builders.
Image from Austin Celtic Festival Facebook.
