Western MA
Massachusetts comes alive each summer with outdoor festivals and festivities. We’ve compiled these top festivals throughout the Bay State – including these four with a distinctly rish/Celtic flavor. Enjoy! July 18GLASGOW LANDS SCOTTISH FESTIVALLook Park, Florence, Northampton The 31st Annual Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival on July 18 attracts local residents and visitors from everywhere! Nestled…
By Irish Boston Tourism Newsroom The magic of the highlands sparkles in Western Massachusetts this summer as the 31st Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival returns in splendor to Florence in Northampton on Saturday, July 18. Billed as the only festival of its kind in Massachusetts and the second largest in New England, this rain-or-shine celebration in…
Three heroes – a world-champion boxer, a nationally renowned police chief, and a local community leader – are being recognized at this year’s Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Irish professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor (pictured) is receiving the 33rd Ambassador Award, presented to an individual or group that…
The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke announced that celebrated Irish professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor has been selected as the 33rd Ambassador Award recipient. This prestigious honor is presented annually to an individual or group that has worked to strengthen the relationship between the people of Ireland and the people of the…
Holyoke, Mass. – January 22, 2026 – The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke today announced that celebrated Irish professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor has been selected as the 33rd Ambassador Award recipient. This prestigious honor is presented annually to an individual or group that has worked to strengthen the relationship between the…
Join the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day festivities as they host the annual Chicopee Presidents Dinner! Saturday, February 7, 2026 6:00 PM 9:00 PM Knights of Columbus 460 Granby Road Chicopee, MA, 01013 Parade details here
St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke names Los Angeles Chief of Police, Jim McDonnell, as the 2026 John F. Kennedy national award recipient. Honoring a career defined by service, courage, and leadership, Jim McDonnell is a nationally respected law enforcement leader and public safety innovator. Join the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day festivities as they host the…
Join the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day festivities as they host the annual Marshal Mania fundraiser! Back by popular demand… Performances by: Unforgettable Fire: the #1 Premier U2 Tribute Band. Opening act – Greater Holyoke All Star Band Ticket Prices: Early Discount: $20 until January 31 Starting Feb 1 – Tickets are $30 Doors open at…
Join the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day festivities as they host the annual Battle of the Bars contest! There are 6 bars being represented! There are 6 bartenders representing! BUT There is only 1 trophy! Join in the fun to see who takes home the 2026 trophy! Full Parade details here
Join the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day festivities as they crown the 2026 Holyoke Grand Colleen and honor this year’s award recipients: Thomas F. Rohan Award: Tessa Murphy-Romboletti George E. O’Connell Award: DJ O’Connor Daniel J. Gallivan Award: James Menard Citizenship Award: Miracle League of Western Massachusetts Full Parade details here
Hosted by the Sons of Erin Colleen Committee. Visit https://sonsoferin.com/ Click here for full details on the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Click here for details on the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Roace. Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 22 (on or before February 6, 2026) Single, never married and never had…
Kick off the Holyoke Parade Weekend with an epic block party! Enjoy a free shuttle service from Holyoke Community College to the starting area. Major Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Women’s winner. Awards winners will be announced and notified via text if they win. Winners can pick up their prize at Race Headquarters following…
(January 16, 2026) – The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee honored 2026 Grand Marshal Michael J. Moriarty at its annual award dinner and reception at The Log Cabin in Holyoke. The prestigious Grand Marshal award is given each year to a person of Irish ancestry who has demonstrated exceptional loyalty to the parade, community, career, family…
Starts: Downtown Holyoke. 413 533-1700 Race Headquarters: 143 Maple St (100 Yards in front of Start Line) The parade begins at Kmart Plaza on Rt. 5 (Northampton Street) and ends on High Street. Road closures typically begin 1 hour hour prior to kick off. The parade is 2.65 miles long and can take up to…
What began in 1994 as a one-time event to raise funds for an historic church in western Massachusetts is still going strong some three decades later. On July 19, 2025, the beloved Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. The milestone offers a moment to reflect on why Glasgow is readily hailed as one of the most…
A special group of Irish men and women have been responsible for preservation of the tradition of Irish ballad singing over the past 50 years. Derek Warfield is a distinguished name among them. Derek Warfield and They Young Wolfe Tones are bringing that musical tradition forward with a reverence for Ireland’s past and the energy…
Rain or Shine Festival! The 31st Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival is a wonderful family event featuring live music and dance, bagpiping, athletic contests, authentic Scottish food and drink and plenty of cultural activities for children. This is the only Scottish Festival in Massachusetts, and the 2nd largest one in New England. Food and beverage available…
Guinness Celtic 5K
Event
Race 2 Greendale Physical Therapy Worcester Triple Crown Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the delightful Guinness Celtic 5K in Worcester, MA! Taking place on Sunday, March 16, 2025, this lively race celebrates the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with a fun-filled 5K course that welcomes both runners and walkers. The event…
Kick off the Holyoke Parade Weekend with an epic block party! Enjoy a free shuttle service from Holyoke Community College to the starting area. Major Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Women’s winner. Awards winners will be announced and notified via text if they win. Winners can pick up their prize at Race Headquarters following…
A festive journey through the Dance, Music & stories of Ireland. Fronted by husband wife duo Ciaran Nagle and Tara Novak (both of Riverdance and the Irish Tenors), ISHNA is a Contemporary Irish Folk Band. Members hail from around the world, bringing their different backgrounds to their musical explorations. Ishna’s performance is energetic and uplifting,…
Celtic Celebration
Event
Celebrate cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling, and poetry. Highlights include: fiddle tunes, a demonstration of the bagpipes, and music by Celtic musicians. Listen to Irish poetry and stories and share your own favorites. Learn about the Montgomery Guards, the first volunteer militia company in MA composed entirely of men of Irish descent. Enjoy step…
The Pourmen in Worcester
Event
The Pourmen is a New Bedford, MA based band that blends diverse Celtic, Folk, Country and Punk Rock influences to craft heartfelt songs from the “Cobblestone Streets and Salty Pubs of the Whaling City” and always delivers a rousing live performance. The Pourmen was established in January 2013 and played their first hometown show on…
A special group of Irish men and women have been responsible for preservation of the tradition of Irish ballad singing over the past 50 years. Derek Warfield is a distinguished name among them. Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones are bringing that musical tradition forward with a reverence for Ireland’s past and the energy…
Since they first joined voices, The Irish Tenors have made countless traditional treasures breathe with new life. Moreover, they’ve proven themselves gifted interpreters of a wide range of material, with such songs as “My Heart Will Go On” (from Titanic), “Fairytale Of New York” (previously recorded by Kirsty MacColl and The Pogues) and even Jimmy…
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These organizations promote Irish Culture in New England.
