(ALBUQUERQUE) According to the Webster Dictionary, the word “funnest” isn’t a proper word. But that doesn’t stop New Mexicans from calling the annual Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival the state’s “funnest” festival.
The always fun Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival returns to Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park, Saturday and Sunday, May 3 & 4. The traditional two-day celebration of the culture of the seven Celtic nations will once again feature live music, exciting athletic competitions, animal exhibits, interactive children’s activities and some of the best food this side of the Atlantic Ocean. The festival is open Saturday from 9 am until 6 pm and Sunday from 9 am until 5 pm. Learn about many of the arts and athletics as well as the culture of nations like Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Brittany, Isle of Man, Cornwall and Galicia.
Live music will be featured as a tribute to Celtic culture. Headlining the main stage is The Piper Jones Band. This exciting Celtic band has one mission: to bring spirited, magical dance tunes and songs to everyone. From Celtic music veterans to those hearing it for the first time, the Piper Jones Band is a high-energy trio based on the moving and beautiful sounds of the Highland bagpipes, accompanied by unique percussive chords from the bouzouki and inspired drums. The Piper Jones Band will be playing three times a day; twice on the Main Stage and once on the Acoustic, as Piper Jones UNPLUGGED.
In addition to The Piper Jones and, the line up in 2025 will include Yampa Valley Steve, Scott & Johanna Hongell-Darsee, Celloquacious, Burque Bombadillos, Mandology, Tri, The Adjacents, Outlaw 505, Saorsie, Victory harp, Duke City Ceili Band, The Reelers, Two Leaf Clover, Bardic Sisters, Shenanigans, Jug O’ Punch, Sandia Celtic Ensemble, Dirty Old Town ABQ, The Celtic Singers, Dram Session, Wandering the Burren,
Celtic Coyotes and Rye Creek. The Festival has a Main Stage, Medium Stage, and Acoustic Stage with performance throughout the weekend on all.
The Dance stage will feature a Highland Dance competition as well Irish step dancing demonstrations.
Another highlight of the Festival is the annual “Heavy Athletic” competitions. Women and men will compete in the traditional Highland games, including the Caber Toss, the Scottish Hammer Throw, Braemer Stones and Sheaf Toss. This year’s field of 120 athletes, including 4 men and 4 women pros competing in paired teams of Red Chili, Green Chili, Biscochitos, and Piñon, promises to be an action packed and exciting component of the Festival. Eddie Brown will be announcing the Heavy Athletic competitions. Sunday will feature a Strongman competition, including a truck pull.
The Festival is excited to offer competitions for bagpipe bands, piping soloists, and drum soloists this year. Make sure to stop by in the mornings and afternoons to enjoy some traditional music. In addition, there will be a variety of pipe and drum performance bands playing throughout the weekend including Mac-Tire of Skye Pipes and Drums, New Mexico Fire and Police Pipes and Drums, High Desert Pipes and Drums, Southwest Skye Pipes and Drums, Order of the Thistle Pipes and Drums, Santa Fe Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Empyre Pipes and Drums and Sandia Peaks Scottish Pipes and Drums. Stop by any of the band’s tents to learn more about the great highland bagpipe or if you’re interested in starting lessons! Competition bands include Ciorcal Carde Pipes and Drums and Pikes Peak Pipes and Drums.
The 2025 Fest will celebrate Celtic life with delicious traditional Celtic food, along with fabulous beverages from local breweries. An exhibit and Parade at 11am of Celtic dog breeds will have information on the importance of those breeds in history as well as in modern Celtic life (please, no outside pets).
Local Clans and Societies will be on hand to talk with festival attendees about Celtic family history and opportunities for local Celtic activities throughout the year.
A favorite part of the festival is the inclusion of multiple activities for the “wee ones”. This year, kids of all ages will be entertained with crafts and a children’s book give-away; Amtgard will return with “pool noodle swordfights”, archery and fortune telling.
A wide variety of merchandise vendors will also be present, providing an opportunity for everyone to shop for many Celtic-themed crafts and rare amenities.
Adult admission is just $25 per day ($40 for both days) with free parking. Children, military, and seniors 65+ are $20 ($30 both days). For discounts go to www.celtfestabq.com Children under 8 are free.
More Festival information is available at the Rio Grande Valley Celtic Association website: www.celtfestabq.com.
