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

Irish Family Day - Passport to Ireland

Sunday, March 12, 2023: The family-friendly way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Milwaukee! Crafts, activities, music, food, dance & more!

Rent Our Space

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

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Featured

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!

What is an Irish session?

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

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.

St. Patrick's Day in Milwaukee History

St. Patrick's Day has celebrated Milwaukee's Irish heritage for years.

From the Archives: Makem & Clancy 1977

March 31, 2023: From the Archives: Makem and Clancy 1977, hosted by and performances from Rory Makem

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Upcoming Events

Irish Family Day - Passport to Ireland

Sunday, March 12, 2023: The family-friendly way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Milwaukee! Crafts, activities, music, food, dance & more!

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.

From the Archives: Makem & Clancy 1977

March 31, 2023: From the Archives: Makem and Clancy 1977, hosted by and performances from Rory Makem

Show all events

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!