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

The Calling: Music and Cultural Tour of Ireland

January 19 - 29, 2023: 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!

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Featured

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!

What is an Irish session?

Irish sessions are fun gatherings of musicians sharing tunes and conversations in a relaxed setting...

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.

Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Milwaukee Chapter 1979

Founded in 1951 by a group of Westmeath pipers, CCE is the primary Irish organization dedicated to the promotion of the music, dance and language of Ireland. Ed Ward talks about the origin of the Milwaukee chapter.

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...

Irish Music Performances

Watch exclusive YouTube videos of Irish music performances from artists such as Scythian, Runa, Rory Makem, and more!

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Upcoming Events

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The Great Irish Open - Golf Outing

Wednesday, September 14, 2022: Join us for 18 holes of golf at the Ironwood Golf Course to support our Ward Irish Music Archives!

Irish Comedian Ardal O'Hanlon

Irish comedian Ardal O'Hanlon (aka Father Dougal from Father Ted!) performing at CelticMKE on September 17, 2022 at 7pm. Tickets on sale now!

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Support CelticMKE on Amazon!

Are you an avid Amazon shopper? Did you know Amazon gives back to non-profit organizations like us through what they call Amazon Smile? The difference is that when you shop through Amazon Smile, they will donate to CelticMKE every time you make a purchase! All you have to do is choose "Irish Festivals, Inc." as your organization of choice to support, through the link here, and shop from the Amazon Smile website (shopping through the Smile website ensures donations go to the organization).

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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!