How to go
What: The United Irish of Dayton present the Dayton Celtic Festival featuring Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Fullset, Socks in the Frying Pan and more
Where: Riverscape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free
More info: 937-372-9788 or www.unitedirishofdayton.org
Celtic music has been performed in the United States since the first Irish immigrants arrived on these shores in the 18th century. However, the music was primarily played at family gatherings and special cultural events until the Clancy Brothers first emerged out of the folk music boom of the 1960s.
Acts like The Chieftains pushed the traditional Irish sounds further into the mainstream in the 1970s and 1980s.
Today, Celtic music can be heard in most U.S. cities and many like Dayton host popular annual events that attract more than 80,000 concertgoers each summer.
Here are five reasons to attend the Dayton Celtic Fest, which returns to Dayton on Friday through Sunday.
1. The music
Music, naturally, is the top draw and this year features top talent like headliners Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Fullset and Socks in the Frying Pan. The festival also boasts plenty of regional talent such as Dulahan, Father, Son and Friends, Homeland and Changeling are among the popular area Celtic bands selected for this year’s festival.
2. Irish dance
Music gets a lot of attention during the Dayton Celtic Festival but there are plenty of folks who show up to check out all the great local talent dancing on the MidUSA Credit Union Stage. This year’s fest will showcase participants from the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance, McGovern Ceili Dancers and Dwyer School of Irish Dance.
3. Whiskey tasting
Bushmills Irish Whiskey will be hosting tastings Friday through Sunday during normal festival hours. Tasting tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the festival. A separate ticket is needed for each tasting and seating is limited to 50 people per tasting. In addition to its traditional whiskey, Bushmills is presenting Black Bush, Irish Honey and both 10-and 15-year-old single malts.
4. Sunday morning
One of the highlights each year is the festival’s Sunday program, which begins with the Celtic Breakfast at Riverscape at 9 a.m. The Celtic Bike Ride begins at Fifth Third Field that morning at 9 a.m. The United Irish of Dayton Stage is the location for the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass, which will be presented in Gaelic and English.
5. Vendors and activities
Vendors will be on hand to sell everything from traditional Irish and Scottish dishes, popular festival foods, soft drinks and beer to Celtic merchandise, clothing, jewelry and original art. Parents can keep the youngsters occupied in the children’s activity area. Other events include the 5K Run/Walk and 10K run on Saturday morning and Parade of Kilts at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
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