Goderich Celtic Roots Festival celebrates music, craft and culture
- Kate Smith
- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Goderich Celtic Roots Festival is an annual celebration of music, craft and culture of the seven Celtic nations and immigrants that formed a strong historic background in Huron County.
From a single concert held in 1993 to honour the life of a local teacher, now in its 33rd year, the Celtic Roots Festival has grown to include a week-long school of music, dance and craft art known as Celtic College.
With five stages, varying from small intimate performances to high-powered entertainment on the Main Stage, the three-day festival remains a unique musical experience in Canada.
Fresh local food, high-quality craft artisans, small pub for refreshments, participatory dance stage, art demonstrations, a children’s activity area and over 60 hours of live music, make this a must-see weekend in Goderich.
Attending the festival is a great way to experience Goderich, the “prettiest town in Canada”, with stunning beaches along the coast of Lake Huron and downtown shopping all within minutes walk of the festival site.
Bringing visitors in for the week-long Celtic College, or the weekend Celtic Festival, this niche musical event has quite a positive impact on the local economy.
According to Cheryl Prashker, Artistic Director/General Manager of the festival, the economic impact of the festival estimates the associated annual tourism spending equates to roughly $750,000 for the festival, and another $110,000 for the college.
Prashker admits that attendees come back at other times of the year to visit their favourite restaurants and shops, and a few have purchased homes in the area.
First attending the festival and college as a musician with her Celtic band RUNA in 2011, Prashker fell in love with Goderich. In the years her band was not hired, Prashker would request to come back and teach at the college.
Prashker was so drawn to the town through the festival, and in 2018 she was offered the position of Artistic Director and General Manager and moved to Huron County from Philadelphia
According to Prashker, the festival has remained a success over the years because of the vision of its founders – Warren and Eleanor Robinson – who wanted to ensure it was a family-friendly event.
Residents in Goderich remain an integral part of the festival and the Celtic College, as musicians are billeted in their homes for the entire week.
“During their time in Goderich, artists tend to form wonderful friendships with their host families,” admitted Prashker.
“It is always extra special when an artist is asked back and they say, ‘sure, but only if I can stay with the same people I stayed with last time’.”
Success of the annual event can also be attributed to its countless volunteers and host families.
Many crew members have been working with the event for the entire 33 years.
“This festival would not be possible without the 250 very dedicated volunteers,” added Prashker.
“These folks work very hard before the festival and of course throughout the weekend to make sure everyone has the best experience.”
The festival is always looking for new volunteers to join the Celtic Festival family either to volunteer during the weekend or as a host for one of the musicians.
This year the festival is bringing in a large name act, which has only been done once before.
Appearing on the Saturday night only, the MacMaster Leahy family band are sure to attract a lot of fans.
With decades long careers, extensive world tours, platinum recordings, multiple awards including JUNOs and the Order of Canada, Canadian fiddle royalty Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will share a special night on the stage with their seven children.
This family’s energy of dance steps in unison, the lilting drive of the button accordion, the intricacies of the piano accompaniment, and the solo performance of each child makes this show dynamic.
“The MacMaster Leahy family is a very exciting act to see live,” explained Prashker.
“This is only the second time we have brought in a name of their stature to be a headlining act. We are hoping to attract their fans who may have never been to our event and who may travel from afar.”
This year’s lineup includes other incredible acts such as the Conor Mallon Band, Fiárock, James Keelaghan, The Kane Sisters, Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen, Rachel Hair and Ron Jappy, Ryan Young with Alanna Jenish, Sophie and Fiachra, and The Young’uns.
Leading up to the main event, the Celtic College takes place from August 4 until August 7.
Instrument, singing, craft art and dance classes are facilitated by the festival’s incredible lineup of international musicians.
This one-week, intensive course is built around a central structure of small master classes. Participants of this course receive unparalleled level of access to tutors who are leading experts and performers.
Classes are open to all ages and levels of ability.
The Celtic Kids Day Camp is a chance for children aged 4 to 12 years to take part in all things Celtic.
Held at the same campus as the Celtic College, the Kids Camp follows the same daily schedule.
Divided into three streams by age, the Kids Camp offers students the opportunity to experience song, tin whistle, harp, guitar, fiddle, percussion, dance, drama, storytelling, and craft art with local professionals and masters.
At the end of week, students from Celtic College as well as the Kids Camp head over to the festival grounds at Lions Harbour Park. There the students perform 10-minute sets of what they learned over the week, and that is what kicks off the festival weekend.
Festival pricing for the 2025 Celtic Festival ranges depending on passes.
Festival passes are available for the entire weekend or individual days.
Regular adult passes for Friday costs $49.72 (by July 31) and $50.85 (at the gate); Saturday passes cost $55.94 (by July 31) or $56.50 (at the gate); Sunday passes cost $43.51 (by July 31) or $45.20 (at the gate); weekend passes cost $118.09 (by July 31) or $118.65 (at the gate).
Senior pass and youth pass for Friday costs $37.29 (by July 31) or $39.55 (at the gate); Saturday passes cost $43.51 (by July 31) or $45.20 (at the gate); Sunday passes cost $31.08 (by July 31) or $33.90 (at the gate); weekend passes cost $93.23 (by July 31) or $96.05 (at the gate).
Advance ticket prices end May 31. Prices listed above are in a period from June 1 until July 31.
Gates open at 11 a.m. each day. Physical tickets are no longer mailed out but will be available at the ‘Green Shed’.
Festival goes on rain or shine, and guide dogs only.
For a full list of the lineup, ticket costs or schedule, visit https://www.celticfestival.ca/festival or email festival@celticfestival.ca
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