A Celtic Dog Parade will be held at 2pm on Saturday, May 3, at the Australian Celtic Festival. Dress up your dog and enter the festival’s Celtic Dog Parade for some fun!
Picture: australiancelticfestival.com

The Australian Celtic Festival is gearing up to transform Glen Innes into a vibrant celebration of all things Celtic, and this year, the spotlight isn’t just on tartan-clad dancers and booming bagpipes — it’s also on some very dapper dogs. With the festival’s beloved dog fashion parade returning, expect to see plenty of proud pooches strutting their stuff in kilts. 

DATES & DEETS

The festival returns from May 1 to 4, 2025. This year, the spotlight shines on the vibrant cultures of Brittany, Cornwall, and Wales. 

The festival starts with a Celtic Cultural Symposium on Thursday, May 1, at the Highlands Hub, followed by the official opening ceremony at Glen Innes Town Hall on Friday, May 2. 

On Friday evening, attendees can enjoy the Friday Night Céilí, featuring world-renowned fiddler Gerry O’Connor from Ireland, along with performances by the Australian Celtic Women, the Ian Hayden and Friends Céilí Band, and the Manx Dancers of Brisbane. 

The main events on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4, will take place at the Australian Standing Stones National Celtic Monument. Festival-goers can look forward to live music and dance performances across three stages, pipe bands, highland games, strongman events, wrestling, jousting, re-enactment groups, and a Celtic Kitchen marquee. A dedicated Celtic Kids marquee will offer activities for younger attendees, and over 75 market, food, and beverage stalls will showcase Celtic-inspired crafts and fare. 

Saturday evening will feature the Saturday Night Craic, with performances by Murphy’s Pigs and Sionnach Rua’s Great Irish Songbook. 

Additional highlights include the Australian Celtic Dance Championships on Saturday, and a Fashion Parade and Awards event, where attendees can showcase their Celtic attire.