CelticFest in Vancouver

Vancouver CelticFest is a Celtic festival over St. Patrick’s Day week that usually includes concerts, whisky tastings, live music and street parties.

CelticFest features several different events in March. It’s much smaller than it used to be. Years ago there was a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and a CelticFest Village, but not anymore. Continue reading below for details on ongoing activities.

Click Vancouver on St. Patrick’s Day for information about other St. Patrick’s Day-related events in the Lower Mainland. One highlight each year is the St. Patrick’s Weekend Boat Party hosted by Vancouver Boat Parties. It features plenty of music, dancing and fun on a party boat at night. In 2026 the event takes place on Saturday, March 21st.

CelticFest St. Patrick’s Celebrations in 2026

In 2026, CelticFest runs from March 13th to 15th. This year marks the 22nd edition of the series. See below for a list of CelticFest events happening in 2026.

CelticFest Events

CelticFest features Irish music, dance, comedy, and more. This year’s schedule of events is listed below. More events may be added, and exact details are subject to change.

Friday, March 13th, 2026

Ceilidh: A lively evening event running from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Hellenic Centre in Vancouver. Music and performances are by Blackthorn, the O’Brien School of Irish Dance, and the Shot of Scotch Vancouver Company.

Saturday, March 14th, 2026

Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir Concert: This concert takes place from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Christ Church Cathedral. The well-known Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir performs a selection of traditional and modern Irish songs in a lovely church setting. This is a ticketed event.
Live at the Hollywood Theatre: Doors open at 7:00 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm. The Hollywood Theatre is on West Broadway in Vancouver. This event’s lineup includes The Whiskeydicks, the Paul Caldwell Band, and The Saltchuckers. This ticketed event is one of the festival’s main concert nights.
What’s the Craic? A Night of Irish Devilry: This event takes place at the Rio Theatre. Doors open at 8:15 pm and the show starts at 9:00 pm. This is an adults-only production for ages 19 and above. It features Irish-themed comedy, live music, burlesque, and a high-energy, fun atmosphere. Tickets are required for this event.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENTS

Top things to do in the Lower Mainland on or around St. Patrick’s Day most years include attending a St. Patrick’s Day-themed party like the one at Eagle’s Hall in North Vancouver, or the annual celebrations at the Blarney Stone Pub in Gastown. There is also the Shamrock’n Race and a St. Patrick’s Weekend Boat Party with Vancouver Boat Parties.

Some of the top events in recent years have included a concert with the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir and a Celtic Fest event at the Museum of Surrey.

Sunday, March 15th, 2026

Family Day at the Art Gallery: This family-friendly event runs from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The day features live entertainment, face painting, bouncy castles and a Celtic market. Performers include the O’Brien School of Irish Dance, Jocelyn Pettit, Éamonn Mac Hale, and Bob Collins. Admission is free.

Note: The above details are subject to change. See the CelticFest Vancouver website for the latest information and tickets. More events may be added as we approach the festival date.

CelticFest Outside the Vancouver Art Gallery

One highlight of CelticFest is the event held in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (outside the Vancouver Art Gallery). It’s an afternoon of celebrations and family-friendly activities. After not happening last year, the event is back on March 15th, 2026.

For an idea of what to expect, check out the 360-degree photo below. It was captured at the 2024 event. As you can see, lots of people were outside enjoying the sunshine and live music. The 2026 event may look the same, or possibly a bit smaller.