Experience the best of Celtic culture in Calaveras County with Murphys Irish Day and the Calaveras Celtic Faire, where family-friendly fun, dog-friendly festivities, live music, local food, and small-town charm come together. From bagpipes and parades in historic Murphys to medieval jousting and Highland games at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp, these spring festivals are Northern California must-see events.
Calaveras Celtic Faire: The Largest Celtic Festival on the West Coast at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds
If you’ve ever wanted to trade your weekend plans for kilts, bagpipes, and a little medieval mischief, the Calaveras Celtic Faire is your passport to the largest Celtic celebration on the West Coast. Held at the scenic Calaveras County Fairgrounds, this family-friendly festival brings the cultures of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Galicia, and Asturias to life against the rolling green hills of Gold Country – no overseas flight required.
Cheer on armored heroes at the Imperial Knights Tournament of Champions, where jousting, horseback stunts, and hand-to-hand combat make history class look wildly underdressed. Tap your toes (or attempt a jig) to live Celtic bands like The Wicked Tinkers, Golden Bough, and The Black Irish Band, explore clan heritage booths, and let the skirl of the bagpipes transport you straight to the Highlands. From Scottish royalty appearances to the ever-popular Whiskey Experience and Blind Whiskey Competition, there’s something for every brave heart in your crew.
Friday is dedicated to families and students, focusing on hands-on cultural and historical education, making it the perfect alcohol-free day for kids to dive into Celtic traditions. Whether you come for the music, the medieval tournaments, or to see if your clan is represented, the Calaveras Celtic Faire is one of Northern California’s most unique, immersive, and unforgettable family events. Sláinte to that!
Murphys Irish Day: Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Historic Murphys, CA
Grab your green gear, dust off your shamrocks, and head to Murphys Irish Day in historic Murphys for Northern California’s most shamrock-shaking, jig-inducing street party! Held every third Saturday in March, this family- and dog-friendly festival packs Gold Country with bagpipes, classic cars, local wine, craft beer, and enough Irish charm to make even a leprechaun jealous.
Historic Main Street bursts to life with handcrafted goods, original art, festive eats, wine tasting, and two stages of live music and dancing that keep kids grooving, dogs strutting, and friends cheering curbside. Between the lively entertainment, charming shops, acclaimed restaurants and tasting rooms, you’ll find plenty of reasons to linger. Just remember to wear LOTS of green (pups included)! For easy, stress-free parking, hop the convenient shuttle from Ironstone Vineyards, just a mile away, so the only thing you’re chasing is fun, not a parking spot.
Let’s Go to Calaveras!
Pack your green, grab your sense of adventure, and immerse yourself in the vibrant heritage, charming small towns, and high-spirited fun that make Calaveras a must-visit destination this spring. Have more questions? Give us a call at 209-736-00498 or email as info@gocalaveras.com, and we are happy to help you plan your next visit to Calaveras County!
