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

Rent Our Space

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

Volunteer

More than 4,000 enthusiastic and generous volunteers are the cornerstone of our festival and year-round programming.

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Upcoming Events

Irish Fest Summer School

We're pleased to present Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School from August 11 to 15, 2025!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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Discover

The Scottish Voice Behind Mickey Mouse

The voice you all know and recognize - Mickey Mouse. Now, meet the Scottish-American behind the mouse and sound effects legend, Jimmy Macdonald.

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

John Muir: Scottish-American Naturalist

John Muir was a Scottish-American environmentalist. He spent his life loving the trees, the land beneath his feet and the world around him.

Milwaukee Bucks Player Shares Stories of his Irish Heritage

Milwaukee Bucks Player Pat Connaughton Shares Stories of his Irish Heritage

Pat Connaughton from the Milwaukee Bucks shared a video with us, where he shares stories about his Irish roots!

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!

Racing in Historic Irish Fishing Boats

An insight on the Irish sport, currach racing, with the Milwaukee Currach Club

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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!