With summer’s approach, West Michigan’s Irish and Scottish (and others) will gather for the annual Celtic Festival in Holland. Sponsored by Guinness, this year’s festival is June 21 & 22 at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds on Ottawa Beach Road in Holland, Michigan. More than 7,000 visited the 2nd annual event in 2023 and the 3rd annual event is expected to attract even more.
“We started in a small park in downtown Holland but outgrew that venue after the first year,” said co-director Pete Grimm of Holland. “The County Fairgrounds work well for us now and give us room to grow for the future as well. Our Highland Games already are among the largest in Michigan.”
“The idea for this festival was hatched during the COVID-19 pandemic”, according to event co-director Craig Rich of Holland. “A bunch of us who regularly celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and other ethnic festivals and events in Holland, thought that we could get together and start something great for the community.”
Great entertainment
The 3rd annual Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival and Highland Games features 16 Irish and Celtic bands on two stages over two days. Scheduled to appear are Acoustic Vagabondi, Toby Bresnahan, Selkie, Uneven Ground, Belfast Gin, Enda Reilly, The Barley Saints, The Chelsea House Orchestra, Kennedy’s Kitchen, The Conklin Ceili Band, Whorled, The Leprecons, Ironwood, and CrossBow on the Dennis Jones State Farm stage as well as a new second music stage. Headlining Friday night’s “Ceilidh” are Canada’s favorites, The Mudmen. Saturday evening’s grand finale features The Devil’s Brigade (formerly The American Rogues). Scottish Pipe and Drum bands will perform throughout the event, while area dance companies will perform Irish and Highland dance demonstrations on the United Federal Credit Union Dance Stage. Children will have fun in the kids’ area with games, coloring, temporary tattoos, and more.
A full schedule of Highland Games will begin at 9:30 am on June 22, featuring more than 70 men and women athletes competing in nine events including caber-tossing, hammer-throwing and other feats of strength. A dozen ethnic food tents/trucks will assure no one goes hungry, while 20 vendors of Celtic clothing and other merchandise will please shoppers. A cash bar is available both Friday and Saturday featuring Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks, Magners and other beers, plus wines, seltzers and more. The all-day festival is Saturday, June 22, 2024, preceded by a Friday evening, 21 & older “Ceilidh” (concert/party) under a huge “Irish Pub” Tent. Friday tickets are $22.50 and include free return admission on Saturday as a bonus. Saturday tickets are just $12 per person, with those 15 and younger admitted free on Saturday due to the generosity of local sponsors.
The Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival & Highland Games is produced by the Holland Celtic Society, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization comprised entirely of volunteers.
For more information on the Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival and Highland Games see: www.HollandCelticFestival.org or follow www.Facebook.com/HollandCelticFestival.
The Learned Kindred of Currie is delighted to serve as Title Sponsor for the piping and drummer at the Holland Celtic Festival. Part of our global commitment to
preserving and promoting Scottish heritage and culture.