The 23rd annual Boston Celtic Music Festival presented by Passim, known as BCMFest, returns to Club Passim, Somerville Theatre, Crystal Ballroom, Arts at the Armory, The Burren and The Rockwell January 15-18, 2026. Presented by Passim, a Cambridge-based non-profit that supports a vibrant music community through Club Passim, the Passim School of Music, artist grants and outreach initiatives.

The 2026 festival will showcase Greater Boston’s deep tradition of music, song and dance from Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Quebecois and other Celtic communities. BCMFest features acts that are traditional as well as others that draw on contemporary sounds and ideas; full-time, professional touring acts as well as local session musicians; highlighting performers from across the generations.

Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors:
The Burren – Celebrating 30 Years
Sullivan Tire
Belhaven
Magners
Tennents
Irving House
American Flatbread
Mem Tea

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– Thursday’s First Round concert provides a night of the more traditional sounds of Celtic music in Boston taking place at Club Passim with three individual groups in one concert setting. Artists and ticket link listed below.

– Thursday’s (*NEW day) Boston Urban Ceilidh (kālē) features participatory and social dances from the New England, Ireland, and Scottish traditions with a Contra Dance and Scottish Ceilidh, all with live music. No experience is necessary – all dances will be taught and led by an in-time caller. This evening event will be taking place at The Crystal Ballroom in Davis Square.

– Friday’s Roots and Branches concert presents a taste of the dynamic sounds and different styles to be heard in Boston’s Celtic music community at Club Passim. With rooted elements in Celtic, this evening’s music will branch out into different territories that share commonalities such as Quebecois, Scandinavian, New England, and more.

– Friday will feature Old Blind Dogs  at the Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA with multiple local collaborator.

– Saturday’s Dayfest offers over six hours of entertainment, from mid-morning until 5 pm. Artists will be presenting all manner of Celtic music, from classic traditional to contemporary sounds. All events will take place in Davis Sq. in Somerville at The Crystal Ballroom, The Burren, and The Rockwell.

– Saturday’s Nightcap will be a culminating celebration of Celtic music with Ireland’s legendary group, Altan. This year’s Nightcap will be taking place at the beautiful 900 capacity Somerville Threatre in Davis Square starting with “An Honorary Moment for Brian O’Donovan”. This evening is sponsored by The Burren – celebrating it’s 30th anniversary.

– Sunday’s Live Music Brunch at The Burren will feature a traditional group as part of the BCMFest weekend.

 

For specific questions, please contact Festival Director Summer McCall at bcmfest@passim.org.