Folk Circle Association
Folk Circle Association
17th Berea Celtic Fest
and Gathering
August 13-16, 2026
This gathering of joyful, talented and very skillful folks is a city-wide event that brings in 40-50 enthusiastic musicians from 10-12 states.
It is always slated for the third weekend in August.
The weekend includes sessions, concerts, workshops, dancing, story telling, and a lot of fellowship.
Traditional. Authentic. Grassroots.
Become a FB group member
Info: 859-986-7584, or sune.ky at icloud.com
Director: Sune Frederiksen
Hotel info:
Boone Tavern (group rates) 859-985-3700, or on-line.
Holiday Inn Express 859-985-7378.
Red Roof Inn (group rates) 859-986-8426.
Others available as well, and some B&Bs, and AirB&Bs.
Berea Celtic Fest CD
Do yourself a favor and purchase the unique and lovely Berea Celtic Fest CD.
Contains 17 tunes performed by musicians, who have participated in our quaint, little quality filled gathering.
Thank a volunteer and partner!
Our event would not happen without our hardworking volunteers, dedicated musicians and remarkable partners. Please acknowledge them, if you see one.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Opening Night!
Location: Friends Meeting House, 300 Harrison Road
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Fee: $10 at the door
Artists: Redbud Revival opening for Bella Issakova and Anya Darmanska
Friday, August 14, 2026
Location: Berea Community School
Berea Community School students only
Time: 1:45 - 2:50 PM
Artist: John Skelton
Location: Whimsy's Books, Center St
Time: 6:15 - 7:30 PM
POETRY READING AND MUSIC
Artist: Poet Will Leathem and multi-instrumentalist Turlach Boylan
Fee: Gratis, contributions accepted
CONCERT
Location: Russel Acton Folk Center, 212 Jefferson St.
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Artists: McTeggart Irish Dancers/Jeremy Wade/Justin Bridges. Jill Chamless/Vogt, Baumbach/Cleavinger, Bella/Anya/Randy/John, Turlach and Friends, Jeni Balcom and Friends, Patrick D'Arcy and Friends
Fee: Sliding fee from $10 and up, up, up
Followed by a session for musicians 'til 11:30 PM
Saturday, August 15, 2026
SESSIONS
Location: Boone Tavern Garden
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Theme: Sessions led by different musicians
11:00: Doon The Brae and Nashville Friends:
12:00: Turlach Boylan and Kansas Friends.
1:00: Chad Beauchaine and Knoxville Friends.
2:00: Rebecca Baumbach, Skip Cleavinger
3:00: Bella Issakova and Friends
4:00: Jeni Balcom and Cincinnati Friends.
5:00: Musicians move to Boone Tavern Patio.
WORKSHOPS
Location: Russel Acton Folk Center, 212 Jefferson Street
Time: 1:30 PM
Event: Bodhran workshop by Jeremy Wade, assisted by Justin Bridges
Fee: $5, or more
Time: 3:00 PM
Event: Ceili and Irish step dance workshop led by Amelia Maniscalco, McTaggert Irish Dancers. Music by Jeremy Wade and Justin Bridges
Fee: $5, or more
DEMONSTRATIONS, INFORMAL LECTURES & MUSIC
Location: Cowan Chapel at Union Church, 200 Prospect St.
2:00: Jeni Balcom - Irish harp
3:00: John Skelton - flutes and Celtic bagpipes: "Instruments of the Celtic Tradition"
4:00: Patrick D'Arcy, (Dublin, Ireland/Nashville, TN) "Uilleann Piping - What We Know So Far"
Fee: Each event $10, all three presentations $25
CONCERTS
Location: Top Drawer Gallery, North Broadway St.
Time: 1:00 PM
Artist: Jil Chambless & Dan Vogt from Tuscaloosa, AL. Songs of Ireland and more.
Fee: Gratis - contributions appreciated
Location: Union Church steps
Time 7:00 - 7:30 PM
Artists: Set Course and Friends
Fee: Gratis, contributions accepted
Location: Union Church
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM
Event: Celtic Celebration Concert
Fee: $20, students $5
Artists:
7:30: Jil Chambless/Dan Vogt, John Skelton, Rebecca Baumbach/Skip Cleavinger, Jeni Balcom.
Break.
8:45: Patrick D'Arcy with Friends, Bella Issakova/Anya Darmanska.
Grand finale - all musicians.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Location: Union Church
Time: 10:30 AM
Theme: Celtic inspired service
Guest musician: Bella Issakova
CONCERT
Location: St. Clare Catholic Parish House, 622 Chestnut Street
Time: 5:00 PM
Artists: Randy Clepper and John Sherman, Columbus, OH.
Suggested admission: $10
Sunday 8/20 : Celtic service incl. violinist Bella Issakova at Union Church begins at 10:30 AM. Donations accepted.
12 noon: Music at Hotel Boone Tavern. For brunch guests.
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Music at the Berea Artisan Center
2:00 PM: Special presentation at the Madison County Public Library, 507 W. Main St, Richmond, KY
Last Year's Schedule
