MARATHON, Florida Keys — Celtic rock and traditional music await attendees at the fifth annual Florida Keys Celtic Festival set for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 5-7, 2018, at the Marathon Community Park, mile marker (MM) 49.
A return of the Scottish band Albannach headlines a diverse musical lineup for the family-friendly event. Also to be featured are The Screaming Orphans, an encore performance from West of Galway and a live acoustic performance by Marcille Wallis & Friends.
A free-admission “Kilts in the Keys” celebration kicks off the weekend, featuring Irish music from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Marathon Grill and Ale House located at MM 53.
The festivities continue at the Marathon Community Park Saturday, Jan. 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other highlights of the weekend event include sheepdog herding demonstrations, the bagpipes and drums of Police Pipe and Drum of Florida, Highland athletics in a sanctioned women’s competition and men’s demonstrations, and the Florida State Haggis Hurling Championship. All events are open for public viewing.
Celtic merchandise, food, beverages, local craftspeople and vendors as well as children’s activities round out the weekend’s festivities.
Advance online purchase is available for single-day Saturday or Sunday admission tickets for only $5 per person per day. Tickets are $10 per person at the gate. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.
Parking at the event is free. Specially priced Marathon accommodations are available.
Event information: floridakeyscelticfestival.com
Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284
