CelticMKE - Irish Music and Celtic Culture in Milwaukee, WI

CelticMKE

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to play a bodhrán – or what the heck one is – you’re in the right place. CelticMKE, the home of Milwaukee Irish Fest, is about sharing our love of Irish music, Celtic history, and culture with people in the Midwest, and all over the world! You’ll find programs for the whole family, lectures by leading experts in Celtic culture, classes in traditional language, music and crafts, and our signature event, Milwaukee Irish Fest. Whether you want to reconnect with your roots, or explore a culture that’s new to you, CelticMKE is here to help.

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Featured

The Calling: Music and Cultural Tour of Ireland

January 15-25, 2026: Join us for our unique music and cultural tour—an opportunity to enjoy an authentic and educational experience in Ireland. The 10-day trip spans two Irish cultural festivals and a host of cultural activities in between throughout County Donegal and Dublin City!

Rent Our Space

Host your next event in our beautiful, historic building, located in the village of Wauwatosa!

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Upcoming Events

CelticMKE Céilí Dances

Join us at our CelticMKE Center in the Village of Wauwatosa for monthly céilí dance gatherings. All ages welcome. Instruction always offered.

The Great Irish Open - Golf Outing

September 17: Join us for 18 holes of golf at the Ironwood Golf Course while supporting our Ward Irish Music Archives.

Chuck Ward Memorial Blood Drives

September 23: 3-7pm. Appointments are strongly encouraged.

Andy Irvine: Ceol & Ól Concert Series

October 10: Legendary Irish folk singer-songwriter Andy Irvine performs for one night only as part of his first United States tour since 2016.

Irish Fest School of Music

School of Music at the Milwaukee Irish Fest Center. Our dedicated faculty of musicians has come together to offer instruction in instrumental Irish traditional dance music to students of all ages. Music lessons, group classes, and workshops are offered for Irish music students of varying ability levels.

Celtic Christmas Boutique

November 22: Free Admission. Shop Irish and holiday-themed items from over 30 small businesses throughout the Midwest!

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Discover

The Taking of Shergar

Read about Shergar, an Irish-bred, British-trained legendary racehorse, taken too soon - stolen in 1983 & never to be seen again.

Tips for Practicing Irish Music

To help make the most of your Irish music (or any style of music) practice time, we've compiled a few tips to help make getting started less daunting...

5 Irish Movies to Watch

Stream and watch Irish movies that were made by Irish film directors and Irish production companies, such as Kenneth Branagh, Lance Daley, and Cartoon Saloon!

De Dannan and the Golden Age of Irish Traditional Music

Based on the groundbreaking blending of traditional and modern music techniques introduced by composer Sean O'Riada at the University College Cork in the 1960s, a number of new Irish bands emerged a decade later that revolutionized Irish traditional music, including De Dannan.

Songcraft and Storytelling: RUNA's Guide for Song Arranging

Every song that we perform has a story. But how do you find that story? How do you choose a song and then make it your own? When you break it down to basics, the steps of song arranging are pretty simple.

5 Irish Tin Whistle Players You Need To Hear

The tin whistle is a humble instrument but can sound amazing in the hands of an expert musician. Listen and learn about 5 influential Irish whistle players.

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Fáilte to Irish and Celtic Culture!

Fáilte (that means “welcome” in Gaelic) to CelticMKE, your go-to resource for all things Irish and Celtic in the Milwaukee area and around the globe! You’re probably familiar with our signature event, Milwaukee Irish Fest, but maybe you haven’t listened to historic recordings from our Ward Irish Music Archives, learned Celtic music and culture face-to-face with leading experts during the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School, or learned the tin whistle or Irish fiddle with faculty from the Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music. Start exploring your Irish and Celtic heritage - or discovering your own unique love for it – with CelticMKE today!