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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What's New

Rent Our Space

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

The Calling: Music and Cultural Tour of Ireland

January 16 - 26, 2025: 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!

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Featured

The Story of Halloween

Halloween has its roots with the Ancient Celts. Discover the history and transformation on this centuries-old holiday and learn about the traditions some still practice today.

5 Scotland Castles to Check Out

Five castles to put on your bucket list of castles to visit in Scotland! From the oldest Scottish castle to the biggest, these castles are rich with history, beauty and stunning views!

Tlachtga - The Hill of Ward & The Samhain Fire

November 1st was traditionally known as Samhain, literally translated, the "end of summer." Tradition has it that druids lit a huge bonfire on the Hill of Tlachtga...

The Dullahan: The Irish Headless Horseman

Even for the Irish, and the Celts, Dullahan is a starkly dark creature. Where did he come from, this headless one?

Los Verdaderos Heroes: San Patricios

Mexico and Ireland have a relationship that dates all the way back to the 1840s.

The New England NFL Connection

The first New England Irish Festival, a two day event, ran inside the Patriots' Sullivan Stadium, in 1984. Michael Chamberlain, Stadium Manager at the time, hired none other than Milwaukee Irish Fest's Founder, Ed Ward to coordinate and run the event.

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Upcoming Events

Niall McCabe - in concert in Milwaukee, November 8, 2024!

Niall McCabe | Irish Music Concert

We are excited to host Niall McCabe on Friday, November 8, 2024.

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.

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

Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9:00am to 3:30pm | Free Admission | Shop Irish and holiday themed items from small businesses throughout the Midwest!

Rory Makem - in concert in Milwaukee, December 15, 2024!

Rory Makem Irish Christmas Concert

We are excited to host Rory Makem on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

Milwaukee Irish Fest

Milwaukee Irish Fest takes place August 14th-17th, 2025 at the Henry Maier Festival Park. Join us for a weekend of Celtic music, culture, food, dance, history and more!

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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!

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