Irish dancing, food and fun at free Fall Celtic Festival in Oakville this weekend

A free event showcasing Irish culture, heritage and arts is coming to Oakville this weekend.

The Fall Celtic Festival is happening Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, 1132 Invicta Dr.

“Our event features music, dancing, beer, bbq, and, of course, fun for the kids,” said

Linda Arsenault, one of the event organizers. “It runs alongside the Oakville Feis and the Crown and Rose Feiseanna, both hugely popular Irish dance competitions.”

The event features local Irish/Celtic musicians, food, crafts, language, folklore, art, history, and sports.

“It is a festival that exhibits how Celtic heritage is deeply ingrained in popular culture today. We have Irish/Celtic bands perform on stage, as well as young up-and-coming artists. Irish dancers from schools all over the GTHA and the northeastern US take to our stage for our Parade of Champions.”

Visitors can head to a Celtic kids craft station, face-painting booth, and bouncy castle.

“Our beer tent is staffed by a local brewery (Cameron’s) whose headquarters is steps away from our festival location. Local Distiller Maverick provides our ready to drink cocktails, and Leaning Post Wines from Stoney Creek will be serving up their amazing vintages.”

The goal is to highlight Celtic talent, promote Celtic heritage, and enhance Celtic culture within the community of Oakville, the Halton Region, and beyond.

Doors open at 9 a.m. both days.