This story is part of a series about arts and culture in Washtenaw County. It is made possible by the Ann Arbor Art Center, Destination Ann Arbor, Larry and Lucie Nisson, the University of Michigan Arts Initiative, and the University Musical Society.
For three decades, the Michigan Celtic festival has celebrated the traditions, music, and heritage of Celtic cultures while strengthening the ties between Saline and its Welsh sister city. As the festival marks a milestone this year, organizers say they’re looking ahead to the next generation of growth while continuing to honor the event’s roots.
The festival returns July 10 and 11 to the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Rd. in Lodi Township. Although the festival has long been associated with Saline, it outgrew its longtime home at Saline’s Mill Pond Park in 2023 and has been hosted at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds since then. As always, this year’s festival will offer two days of Highland games, traditional music and dance, cultural demonstrations, food, and family-friendly activities.
The festival began in 1996 after former Saline Mayor Pat Little sought a way to welcome delegates from Brecon, Wales, Saline’s sister city since 1966. According to Katherine Downie, board secretary and marketing director for Michigan Celtic, Little initially considered hosting a rodeo before his wife suggested a Celtic festival instead…