Calaveras Celtic Faire Begins 40th Year
The 40th annual Calaveras Celtic Faire has kicked off in Angels Camp. Billed as the region's largest Celtic event, the festival celebrates the culture with music, food, and other activities. The multi-day event draws attendees from across Northern California.
The Calaveras Celtic Faire was founded in 1986 by Patrick Michael Karnahan, a local artist and musician with the Black Irish Band. The first event, a modest "Celtic Celebration of St. Patrick's Day," was held in a small building at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora and drew about 200 people on its rainy first day. Originally held in Sonora, the festival moved to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp to accommodate its growth. In past years at the Calaveras location, attendance has swelled to over 10,000 people, with an estimated 15,000 expected for the 40th-anniversary event. The three-day festival features a wide range of entertainment across four stages, including armored combat jousting by the Imperial Knights, Highland Games, and over 100 vendors. Friday is designated as a "Family & Educational Day," with no alcohol sales, and is attended by many local school students. To commemorate its 40th year, a special "40 years of Celtic Faire Traditions" tartan has been officially registered. In addition to the unique tartan, the 2026 faire will offer free parking for all attendees. Highland Games athletes will receive a special 40th-anniversary t-shirt. The event is a significant economic boon for the region, filling local hotels, motels, and restaurants in Calaveras County. The influx of visitors contributes to the local tourism economy, which is a vital part of the county's revenue through a Transient Occupancy Tax. The faire celebrates the cultures of eight Celtic nations: Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Galicia, and Asturias. The event is now managed by a team that includes founder Patrick Karnahan and Executive Faire Manager Lissa Britt.
