“Céad míle fáilte” means “a hundred thousand welcomes,” and the Yachats Celtic Music Festival will put that greeting into practice with free pub-style music, concerts in two churches and a piper playing at sunset. The festival returns for its 24th year at venues throughout Yachats this Friday through Sunday, Nov. 13 through 15.
More than two dozen artists will perform solo and in bands, playing traditional and contemporary Celtic music. The weekend also makes room for musicians who don’t usually share a stage to play together. For listeners new to Celtic music, it’s a chance to hear some of the traditions that helped shape American folk music.
The Yachats Commons will serve as the festival hub, with main-stage concerts and the return of its daytime pub-style format. Free entertainment will open the weekend there on Friday. The commons will also host vendors and whisky tasting, with Celtic-inspired food and drinks available during the festivities. Workshops and jam sessions give guests a chance to do more than listen.
Concerts will also take place at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, known as the “Church of the Agate Windows,” and the recently restored Little Log Church. Both are a short walk from the commons. The Lions Club will also serve as a festival venue, and shops and restaurants around town will get into the Celtic spirit.
Outside the concert halls at the Yachats State Park on Friday and Saturday, “Piper on the Point” will pair the sound of bagpipes with a coastal sunset.
Sunday brings back the free céilí, a social dance with lessons for anyone who wants to learn the steps, at the commons. Two concerts at the commons will close out the festival.
All-day passes for Friday and Saturday are sold out, but tickets remain available for concerts at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church and Sunday’s two-concert program at the Commons. Any remaining Friday and Saturday tickets will be sold at the door.
Friday’s free entertainment begins at noon at the Yachats Commons. The Yachats Community Presbyterian Church is located at 360 W 7th Street and the Little Log Church at 328 W 3rd Street. Online ticket sales close at 9 pm Thursday, Nov. 12, at purplepass.com. For the full schedule and more information, go to yachatscelticmusicfestival.org or pollyplumb.org.