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

Guinness, Chocolate and Bluegrass

February 10, 2023: Guinness Beers + Free Chocolate Pairings + Bluegrass with The MilBillies = the best way to celebrate the Valentine's Day season!

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.

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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!

Pat Connaughton Learns Celtic Culture

NBA star Pat Connaughton from the Milwaukee Bucks takes a deep dive into Irish culture in a series of videos produced by CelticMKE

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!

Bing and Burl: Irish Americans' contributions to our Christmas Music Repertoire

Irish Americans Bing Crosby and Burl Ives both contributed to our modern Christmas music repertoire.

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...

5 Irish Christmas Songs to Listen To

The Irish have left their mark on Christmas across the world with their unique and catchy tunes. Listen to 5 holiday songs that range from 15th Century Ireland to the 21st Century.

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Upcoming Events

Merry and Bright: A Holiday Concert

Sunday, December 11, 2:00pm Matinee Show with Kim Robertson, Brett Lipshutz and special guests

Chuck Ward Memorial Blood Drives

December 20, 2022, 3-7pm: Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome!

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.

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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!