Dayton Celtic Festival returns to RiverScape for Irish, Scotch and Welsh fanfare

After a two-year, pandemic-induced hiatus, the free Dayton Celtic Festival returns the final weekend in July at RiverScape MetroPark. Festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 29, and wrap up at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 31. The United Irish of Dayton Celtic Festival, presented by the United Irish of Dayton, celebrates music, food and culture from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

This summer’s headliner musical acts include international fan favorites Scythian (Washington, D.C.), Socks in the Frying Pan (Ireland), Screaming Orphans (Ireland), The Drowsy Lads (Ohio), The Fitzgeralds (Ontario) and featuring Gaelic Storm (U.S.).

Three stages will rotate through performers and groups. Regional and local performances will grace the stage, including the popular Irish dance teams, Celtic Academy of Irish Dance, Dwyer School of Irish Dance and McGovern Irish Dance.

For a look into Celtic heritage and culture, check out the designated tents, featuring literature and storytelling, genealogy, clogging, kilts, and Irish soda bread baking demonstrations.

Food vendors will be on hand, including some offerings of traditional Irish, Scotch and Welsh fare. Beer and wine — some found stateside and others imported from the isles — will be available for purchase.

The Main Street parking garage and Water Street parking garage are the closest paid parking areas. On-street, metered spaces are free in the evenings and weekends. Those who find themselves in a more remote free parking spot downtown can hop on the free Flyer shuttle to zip back and forth to the festival.