BCMFest

Boston Celtic Music Festival 2026

Featuring the 2026 Headliners:
Altan
Old Blind Dogs

Festival Dates: January 15–18, 2026

  • First Round – Jan 15 at Club Passim – TICKETS
  • Boston Urban Ceilidh – Jan 15 at Crystal Ballroom – TICKETS
  • Roots & Branches – Jan 16 at Club Passim –  TICKETS
  • Old Bling Dogs – Jan 16 at Arts at the Armory – TICKETS
  • Dayfest – Jan 17 at Crystal Ballroom, The Burren, & The Rockwell – TICKETS
  • Nightcap with Altan – Jan 17 at Somerville Theatre – TICKETS *sponsored by The Burren
  • Festival Pass – Access to the Ceilidh, Old Blind Dogs, Dayfest, & Altan – TICKETS

BCMFest 2026 Artist Applications Are Open
APPLY HERE

Artist Application Window: July 30 – September 30, 2025
Please note: Late applications will not be accepted.

Application Guidelines:

  • BCMFest focuses on artists with ties to the Greater Boston and New England Celtic community. Your group must have a local connection. (See the application for details when published)

  • You must apply with the exact lineup you intend to perform with. Any changes to your band members after acceptance may result in removal from the lineup. Please submit a single group bio rather than individual bios.

  • We plan to select slightly fewer acts this year, with the goal of scheduling some artists for multiple sets — which can mean higher pay. Please take care to submit high-quality materials and follow all instructions closely.

  • We strongly encourage you to apply early rather than waiting until the last minute.

If you have any questions about the application process, please reach out to Summer McCall at bcmfest@passim.org.

About BCMFest:

Now in its 23rd year, the Boston Celtic Music Festival (BCMFest) returns to venues across Cambridge and Somerville, including Club Passim, Crystal Ballroom, The Burren, The Rockwell, Arts at the Armory, and Somerville Theatre. Presented by Passim — a Cambridge-based nonprofit supporting a vibrant music community through Club Passim, the Passim School of Music, artist grants, and outreach — BCMFest celebrates the rich traditions of Celtic music, song, and dance from Greater Boston’s Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, and other Celtic communities.

BCMFest showcases everything from traditional tunes to contemporary Celtic sounds, featuring both professional touring acts and beloved local session musicians — highlighting artists across generations.

Ticket Links

The 23rd annual Boston Celtic Music Festival, 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.

—

– 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.

©2025

Site by ICS