One of the city’s most popular free events has been cancelled for 2025, with organizers saying it can no longer fund its growth.
CelticFest Vancouver announced today that while its 21st annual celebration of Celtic culture is returning from March 7 to 17, the crowds will be a little more spread out this year.
That’s because the non-profit organization has been forced to cancel its free weekend festival at šxwƛ’ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square in Downtown Vancouver.
CelticFest Vancouver
“We’re disappointed we’re not able to host the same downtown festival Vancouverites and visitors have come to expect,” said Alan Cosgrave, vice president of the CelticFest Vancouver Board, in a release. “We received less funding from traditional sources than previous years, and in the current economic climate, sponsorships weren’t able to cover the extensive costs a large-scale event carries.
“For the last three years, CelticFest Vancouver has kicked off the city’s event and festival season, which we will miss, but we’re looking forward to the smaller events we’re able to offer around the city to continue to nurture and grow Irish and Celtic culture in Vancouver. We are extremely grateful to our generous sponsors, particularly Irish-owned Whelan Construction and Four Lakes Mechanical, who have come on board this year to make this reimagined event possible.”
The news of the festival’s cancellation comes just a week after Vancouver Mural Festival announced its closure after nearly a decade of public art. VMF indicated that they struggled financially in recent years but did not elaborate any further.
CelticFest Vancouver also organized the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, but it ended in 2017 due to weather uncertainty and lower sponsorship.
Western Canada’s largest annual Celtic festival will pivot to a reimagined series of events around Vancouver from March 7 to 17. They include a live cooking demo of Irish dishes with chef Donal Hughes, local stand-up Amy Walsh hosting an Irish comedy show, burlesque performer Claire Voyeur presenting the What’s the Craic variety show, and the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir throwing a big Ceilidh party.
A family-friendly St Patrick’s Day event is happening on Saturday, March 15, with art, dance, storytelling, food trucks, bouncy castles, and more for all ages to enjoy. The next night, Irish acoustic folk-rockers Hermitage Green will headline at the Vogue Theatre with support by Paul Caldwell and others.
When: March 7 to 17, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various prices; more information online