Music, Dance & Celtic Culture in Southwest Colorado
The Durango Celtic Festival returns March 27 – 28, 2026, celebrating its 12th season of Celtic music, dance, and tradition at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
This year’s headliners are RUNA (Ireland/USA), Cassie & Maggie (Nova Scotia), and Caroline & Tom (Ireland), a trio of award-winning acts that showcase both traditional and contemporary Celtic sounds.
- Top 5 Reasons to Attend the Durango Celtic Festival 2026
- What Is the Durango Celtic Festival?
- Who’s Performing at the 2026 Festival?
- Where Is the Festival Held?
- How to Get Tickets to the 2026 Festival
- What Happens After the Concerts?
- Why Durango Is the Perfect Setting
- FAQs About the Durango Celtic Festival
- The Countdown to Celtic Revelry Starts Now!
A family-friendly event that draws visitors from across Colorado and the Four Corners region, the Durango Celtic Festival promises fun for all ages. Tickets often sell out, so plan ahead, secure your seats, and get ready for a Celtic-filled spring weekend in Durango, Colorado.
Hutton Broadcasting once again serves as a festival sponsor, supporting local coverage and regional radio that helps connect Celtic music fans across the Four Corners region and the broader Southwest.
Top 5 Reasons to Attend the Durango Celtic Festival 2026
- World-class Celtic music in the Rockies. Hear award-winning bands perform Irish and Scottish tunes in an intimate concert setting in Durango, CO. See the previous lineups at the Durango Celtic Festival and get ready to welcome the 2026 headliners RUNA, Cassie & Maggie, and Caroline & Tom, alongside returning regional favorites.
- Two days of concerts, workshops, and dancing. Enjoy main stage performances, hands-on music workshops, and participate in ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) dancing suitable for beginners and seasoned dancers alike.
- Family-friendly cultural experience. The festival welcomes all ages, making it an ideal way for families to explore Celtic music, stories, and traditions together.
- Perfect spring getaway in Durango, CO. Pair the festival with other things to do in Durango, including downtown dining, craft breweries, the historic narrow-gauge railroad, and spring skiing in the San Juan Mountains.
- Support a long-running local tradition. Since 2013, the Durango Celtic Festival has brought Celtic culture to the Four Corners region, with 2026 marking its 12th season.
What Is the Durango Celtic Festival?
The Durango Celtic Festival is an annual two-day celebration honoring Celtic music, dance, and culture in Durango, CO. The 2026 festival takes place on Friday and Saturday, March 27 – 28, at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
Founded in 2013 by local Celtic musicians, the festival grew out of weekly pub sessions at Durango’s Irish Embassy Pub and early concerts at the historic Henry Strater Theatre, and has since become a sold-out Four Corners showcase of Celtic culture each spring.
Each year’s lineup blends traditional and modern Celtic styles, with mainstage concerts, workshops for all skill levels, lively ceilidh dancing, and late-night jam sessions that keep the music going well into the evening.
The Durango Celtic Festival invites people of all ages to share in the spirit of this cherished tradition. For tickets, schedules, and more details, visit the official website of the Durango Celtic Festival and be part of this exuberant celebration!
Who’s Performing at the 2026 Festival?
The Durango Celtic Festival 2026 lineup emphasizes Ireland and Scotland’s rich musical tradition, with acclaimed Celtic ensembles, both international and homegrown, known for blending folk sounds with modern energy.
Headliners for 2026 include RUNA and the high energy Scottish band Stramash, as well as Cassie & Maggie, and Caroline & Tom, with complementary performances by Forest Thump, Kitchen Jam Band, the Be Frank student ensemble, and local Durango Celtic band, the Bowmaneers.
Expect upbeat reels, soulful vocals, and traditional fiddle tunes, plus ceilidh dancing and evening jam sessions that continue long after the main concerts end.
Festival Highlights:
- International performers representing Ireland, Scotland, and Nova Scotia.
- Workshops for musicians and dancers of all skill levels.
- Late-night sessions featuring informal performances in a pub-style setting.
- Family-friendly events open to all ages.
Where Is the Festival Held?
All main concerts and events take place at the Community Concert Hall, Fort Lewis College, located at 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO.
This modern venue offers excellent acoustics and convenient access to downtown restaurants, shops, and Durango lodging options.
Between performances, visitors can explore Durango’s historic downtown, ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, or enjoy local pubs offering live music with a Celtic flair.
The Community Concert Hall is the festival’s main stage. The box office opens one hour before showtime and stays open through intermission, or an hour past curtain if there’s no intermission.
How to Get Tickets to the 2026 Festival
Tickets typically sell out quickly, so don’t wait! Secure your spot in advance by buying tickets online.
Box Office & Contact: Community Concert Hall Box Office: 970-247-7657
Orders and questions via phone will be handled Monday – Friday, 12 – 5 p.m.
Ticket Options
- Full Festival Pass: Includes all concerts, ceilidhs, and workshops with reserved seating, and late-night sessions.
- Day Passes: Ideal for single-day visitors. Perfect if you’re looking to enjoy a single day of Celtic celebration.
- Individual & Combined Concert Passes: Available for select shows, these are great for catching specific performances that pique your interest.
Pro tip: Arrive early. The box office opens one hour before each show.
What Happens After the Concerts?
Both nights feature after-hours ceilidhs and jam sessions from 9:30 – 11:30 p.m., inviting musicians and attendees to connect through reels and jigs in a relaxed, pub-style atmosphere. These informal gatherings are a hallmark of Celtic music tradition and an audience favorite each year.
Why Durango Is the Perfect Setting
Located in the San Juan Mountains, Durango is the perfect backdrop for a Celtic celebration. Visitors can pair the festival with other things to do near Durango, like spring skiing at Purgatory Resort, a stroll along historic Main Avenue, or a scenic drive to nearby Mesa Verde National Park.
Quick Facts About the Durango Celtic Festival
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Durango Celtic Festival |
| Dates | March 27 – 28, 2026 |
| Location | Community Concert Hall, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO. |
| Sponsor | Hutton Broadcasting |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Focus | Irish and Scottish music, dance, and Celtic community culture |
| Website | durangocelticfestival.com |
FAQs About the Durango Celtic Festival
When did the Durango Celtic Festival begin?
The festival began in 2013 when a group of local Celtic musicians in Durango started weekly sessions at the Irish Embassy Pub. It has since expanded into an internationally recognized event hosted at the Fort Lewis College Concert Hall.
What kinds of music are featured at the festival?
The festival celebrates traditional and contemporary Celtic music, including Irish folk songs, Scottish bagpipe tunes, and high-energy fiddle and guitar performances by global touring acts.
Is the festival family friendly?
Yes. The Durango Celtic Festival is a family-friendly event, welcoming children and adults to enjoy live music, workshops, and dance events suitable for all ages.
Where can I stay for the festival weekend?
Durango lodging options vary from historic downtown inns to lodges near Purgatory Resort. Booking early is recommended, as hotels fill up quickly in late March.
How do I learn to ceilidh dance?
The workshop schedule varies from year to year based on the musicians who are performing. The 2026 festival may include ceilidh workshops for beginners, teaching traditional group dances led by experienced instructors. You don’t need a partner — just enthusiasm!
Contact the Durango Celtic Society for more information.
The Countdown to Celtic Revelry Starts Now!
The 2026 Durango Celtic Festival is gearing up to be a celebration you won’t forget! Picture two days packed with infectious rhythms, spirited dancing, and plenty of laughs shared with friends old and new. There’s so much to look forward to as award-winning bands and late-night jam sessions keep the energy buzzing,
Grab your tickets for March 27 and 28, brush up on your ceilidh moves, and get ready to soak in the magic of this lively Celtic spring gathering. It’s going to be a weekend full of music, fun, and memories you’ll be talking about long after the final note is played!
Mark your calendar for two unforgettable days of Celtic music. Plan ahead; tickets and lodging sell out early each year.
Visit durangocelticfestival.com for updates, ticket releases, and artist announcements.
Sponsored by Hutton Broadcasting.
