A celebration of the four seasons through the music and poetry of the Celtic Isles, Continental Europe and beyond.
Maeve Gilchrist, artistic director
September 10-13, 2026
Immerse yourself in a captivating weekend of music, storytelling and cultural exchange at the Rockport Celtic Festival, where tradition meets innovation in a stunning seaside setting. Led by artistic director Maeve Gilchrist, this year’s festival welcomes acclaimed artists from across the Celtic world and beyond, weaving together Irish, Scottish and Pan-Canadian traditions with fresh collaborations, chamber music and bold new works.
Featured Artists
Maeve Gilchrist, artistic director & harp | The Louise Bichan Band | Logan Coale, bass | David Coffin, vocals | Copley Street | Seamus Egan, multi-instrumentalist | Edwin Huizinga & William Coulter (Fire & Grace) | Nuala Kennedy, vocals/flute | Oisin McAuly, fiddle | Alan Murray, guitar, bouzouki & vocals | Lindsay O’Donovan, piano/vocals | Caoimhin O’ Fearghail, uilleann pipes, glute, guitar, bouzouki, vocals | Sam Reider, accordion & The Human Hands | Madeleine Rogers, vocals | The Fretless | Trio Oko
Thursday, September 10 :: 7:30 PM
Celtic Club: The Fretless
This award-winning Canadian foursome has firmly established itself on the international music scene with prolific playing, masterful compositions, iconic collaborations, and electrifying live shows. The Fretless has expanded the idea of what a string quartet can be, transforming fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, high-energy arrangements. Their ensemble of two fiddles, a viola, and a cello produces a rich, multi-layered, and distinctive percussive sound that redefines contemporary folk music.
Location: Third Floor Reception Hall
Friday, September 11 :: 7:30 PM
Opening Night: A Festival of Riches!
Maeve Gilchrist | Nuala Kennedy | The Louise Bichan Band | Oisin Mcauly | Caoimhin O Fearghail | Alan Murray | Sam Reider and the Human Hands!
This Friday night concert is a festival unto itself, showcasing the vibrant breadth of the Rockport Celtic Festival. Ireland’s Nuala Kennedy brings soulful vocals and flute with guitarist Alan Murray, while Orkney fiddler Louise Bichan leads a dynamic transatlantic ensemble inspired by her island roots. Donegal virtuoso Oisín McAuley joins award-winning accordionist Caoimhín Ó Fearghail for a fiery instrumental duo. Rounding out the night, Sam Reider and the Human Hands fuse Americana, jazz, and roots into an electrifying celebration. And when these artists come together—you don’t want to miss it!
Saturday, September 12 :: 11 AM
Salon Session
Come meet our 2026 commissioned composer, Nuala Kennedy and hear about the nuances of writing new works through the lens of traditional Irish Music. Hear Edwin Huizinga and William Coulter describe the Creative process of distilling Vivaldi’s famous Four seasons in all it’s orchestrational nuance down to two instruments: guitar and fiddle! Bring your own questions. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet some of our 2026 artists up close and have some of your questions answered! Hosted by Maeve Gilchrist.
Saturday, September 12 :: 1 PM
Chantey Sing
Bring your voices to a boisterous Chantey Sing with David Coffin. Sing along on the chorus of a hauling, stamping, heaving, capstan, what-have-you chantey. Let’s rattle the rafters!!
Saturday, September 12 :: 7 PM
A Season of Strings
Maeve Gilchrist | Copley Street | The Fretless (with special guest Madeleine Rogers) | Edwin Huizinga and William Coulter (Fire and Grace)
This string-filled extravaganza celebrates the power and versatility of strings across genres. Boston’s Copley Street delivers pure-drop Irish tradition, followed by baroque violinist Edwin Huizinga and guitarist William Coulter with breathtaking selections from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. In the second half, Canada’s award-winning quartet The Fretless joins vocalist Madeleine Rogers, blending folk traditions with a fresh, indie-inspired sound. Artistic Director Maeve Gilchrist weaves harp, poetry, and storytelling throughout, creating an unforgettable journey of songs, tunes, and concerti.
Saturday, September 12 :: 9:30 PM
Celtic Ceilidh
Grab a drink at the bar, bring your dancing shoes and join host Maeve Gilchrist for an exhilarating evening of fiddle music and dance! Enjoy the traditional session hosted by Abbie MacQuarrie along with some surprise special guests. And be prepared to grab a partner and dance as Abbie teaches some easy-to-learn traditional Ceili-dances. Pure-drop fun!
Sunday, September 13 :: 12 PM
Words & Music: The Celtic Spirit
Join host Maeve Gilchrist and musical guests, Lindsay O Donovan, David Coffin, Seamus Egan, Edwin Huizinga, Nuala Kennedy and some special guests in this intimate hour-long celebration of the time-old relationship between words and music. During this meditative performance we ask our artists to share words of meaning: poetry and prose, personal stories and tales of the imagination. Set against a soundscape of songs, improvisation and melodies designed to move the spirit.
Location: Third Floor Reception Hall
Sunday, September 13 :: 5 PM
Closing Night: On the Ocean’s Edge
Maeve Gilchrist | Louise Bichon Band | Seamus Egan | David Coffin | Trio Oko | Nuala Kennedy | The Rockport Celtic Festival House Band
This dynamic evening celebrates cutting-edge Celtic sounds alongside Cape Ann favorite David Coffin and the innovative Trio Oko. The centerpiece is a world premiere by Irish singer and flautist Nuala Kennedy—a four-part suite inspired by the Celtic fire festivals: Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine, and Lúnasa—performed with an all-star house band and woven with poetry.
In the first half, Irish legend Seamus Egan and Artistic Director Maeve Gilchrist present music from Into the Ice, a retelling of Shackleton’s expedition through Irish music and prose. Vivaldi selections, shanties, harp duets, and vibrant collaborations complete this unforgettable celebration of the Celtic year.
Save the Dates
February 24: Donor Pre-sale
March 19: Subscriptions (purchase of 4 or more concerts)
April 1: Single Concert Tickets