Free, indoor Northwest Celtic Fest returns to Hoffman Estates
Irish music, dancers and more will take the stage at the ninth annual Northwest Celtic Fest in Hoffman Estates.
The ninth annual Northwest Celtic Fest returns to the NOW Arena from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, with free admission, free parking, and free entertainment, including trackless train rides, games and activities for children of all ages.
This indoor event highlights the community's Celtic heritage with live entertainment on two stages, with plenty of Irish and Scottish music and dancing. This year the Hideaway Brew Garden will host an "after party," keeping the Celtic theme alive throughout the evening. The Hideaway will feature Celtic music on an outdoor stage from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The entertainment lineup includes:
Concourse Stage
• 11 a.m. to noon: Ken Dix's "They Might Be Irish"
• 12:20-12:40 p.m.: Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance
• 12:50-1:30 p.m.: Mulligan Stew
• 1:45-2:10 p.m.: The Academy of Irish Music
• 2:15-2:45 p.m.: Baal Tinne
• 3-3:20 p.m.: The Madrigal Troupe of Hoffman Estates High School
• 3:20-3:40 p.m.: Thistle & Heather
• 3:40-4 p.m.: University of Chicago Pipe Band
Club Stage
• Noon to 3:30 p.m.: Ar Ais Aris
Additional attractions include a Celtic marketplace, visits with clan representatives, birds of prey, and, returning favorites, mini therapy horses from Soul Harbor Ranch.
New to the lineup this year are the Naperville Hurling Club, Rolling Oaks Alpaca Farm, the Madrigal Troupe of Hoffman Estates High School, and Daughters of Scotia.
A celebration of craft beer for purchase will also be featured, with opportunities to sample a variety of craft brews.
"We are excited to welcome back the festival this year and to feature new vendors and activities," said Mayor Bill McLeod. "This event is exciting for the whole family and we hope everyone will make a point to come out and enjoy the fun."
The Celtic Fest Commission is "food raising" again this year. Although not required for entry, guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to support local food pantries that help Hoffman Estates residents facing food insecurity.
The NOW Arena is at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway in the "Poplar Creek at 59/90" entertainment district in western Hoffman Estates. For a complete schedule of events and list of craft beers, visit www.hoffmanestates.org/celtic or call (847) 781-2610. Masks are required.