Saline Celtic Festival 2025 in Ann Arbor, MI

Saline Celtic Festival is an annual medieval-themed event taking place every July at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, north of Saline, Michigan. The beloved community event with a long history boasts high-quality entertainment, like Highland games, live music, a Highland dance competition, jousting, Corgi races, historical re-enactments, and much more.

Schedule of Events

The Saline Celtic Festival offers a vibrant start on Friday at 6 pm, featuring Celtic music on the main stage and over a dozen free workshops open to the public. These workshops cover traditional folk dance, swordplay, acrobatics, athletics, traditional musical instruments, and historical living demonstrations.

Saturday sees the festival in full swing with a grand parade of over 100 pipers leading to the opening ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Saline. This event welcomes approximately 10,000 attendees to enjoy a rich array of experiences, including Celtic music and dance performances on multiple stages. Highland athletes from across the country compete for championship titles in Highland Athletics, while youth dancers from North America participate in the Highland Dance Competition. With challenges like the stone throw, heavy hammer throw, weight for distance & over-the-bar, sheaf toss, and caber toss, there's a lot to see and cheer for.

The Wee Folks area offers activities for children aged 3-12, including Celtic crafts, storytelling sessions, and games like the bean bag haggis toss and archery. Throughout the festival grounds, visitors can explore exhibitions in swordplay, historic encampments, and acrobatics, as well as indulge in the diverse culinary offerings and artisanal goods available.

Activities

The festival is also known for a variety of music and dance workshops, like Tin Whistle, Bodhran Drumming, Contra Dancing, and Sea Shanty Singing. Adults can enjoy live music at the beer Pavilion boasting local craft beer, wine, mead, and cider. The 2nd Annual Celtic 500" Corgi Speed Championships will take place on Saturday at 2 pm.

Tickets

On Friday, July 12th, admission is $8 for adults aged 18 and above, while those 17 and under enter for free. For Saturday, July 13th, ticket prices vary based on age and purchase method. Adults can purchase tickets for $15 in advance or $18 at the gate. Seniors aged 65 and over enjoy discounted rates of $8 in advance or $10 at the gate. Children aged 6-17 are charged $5, whether purchased in advance or at the gate, and children under five enter for free. Active military personnel also receive free admission. The Family Pack, priced at $30, includes admission for two adults and their accompanying children. For those looking to enjoy beverages along with their festival experience, there's a package for two adults with two beers priced at $35 and a package for four adults with four beers available for $75.