New feature highlights fun for parents, children in Modesto region. Here’s this month’s pick
It’s not always easy for parents to find fresh ideas for getting out and about with their children in the Modesto region.
There are only so many times you can hit the arcades or jumping spots, go to a park or toss a ball before it becomes more run-of-the-mill than special.
To help, The Bee is starting a new short monthly feature spotlighting an event, venue or other gathering that promises a unique outing for all ages.
Kicking off the feature with the month of March, we’re highlighting the annual Celtic Faire, this year at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp.
Set for Friday, March 7, through Sunday, March 9, this is the 39th year for the event that celebrates the cultures of Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Galicia and Asturias, according to a press release.
The festival features concerts, jousting, Highland games, pipe bands, a Celtic market, jugglers and fire eaters, Celtic living history and more.
Friday is set aside as an educational day for families and students. “No alcohol is served on this day because the focus is on cultural and historical learning,” according to the press release.
The day includes live music, activities and demonstrations for children, and more. A jousting show is set from noon to 1 p.m.
Discounted prices of $18, $13 for ages 6 to 17, free for ages 5 and under are set for Friday’s fair, held 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with free parking.
The festival brings a full slate of events Saturday and Sunday.
There will be seven stages of entertainment by Celtic bands including The Wicked Tinkers, Celtica Nova, Brick Top Blaggers, Golden Bough, Stout Rebellion, Black Irish Band and more.
The weekend also includes Scottish bagpipe bands, Celtic dancers, jugglers, magicians and a fire-breathing dragon.
What kid wants to miss a fire-breathing dragon?
An Imperial Knights Tournament of Champions features stunts on horseback, jousting and hand-to-hand combat with medieval weapons.
Foot combat by living-history groups create large armored pitched combat between past Celtic warriors. New this year will be Scottish Highland Games with caber, hammer and stone throws.
There will food available and a Celtic Marketplace with crafts, authors and Celtic goods.
Granted, not everything at the festival is all-age appropriate — a whiskey tasting competition makes for a good example.
The Celtic Faire has been held at either the Calaveras County Fairgrounds or the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora over the years.
Aside from Friday’s hours, listed above, this year’s fair is Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Calaveras County Fairgrounds is at 101 Frogtown Road in Angels Camp.
Saturday admission is $45, $20 ages 6-15; Sunday is $40, $20 ages 6-15; and free to age 5 and under both days. The festival takes place rain or shine.
For more, see www.calaverascelticfaire.com
This story was originally published February 28, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
