Two performances! 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm.

Virginia Arts Festival and Virginia International Tattoo present the first ever Courtyard Cèilidh, featuring a fantastic display of Celtic music and dance performed by Virginia International Tattoo alumni. Energetic Highland and Irish dancing, rousing fiddle tunes, familiar Gaelic songs, and traditional pipes and drums will ignite your inner Celtic spirit.

Performers include Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance, US National champion Scottish fiddlers Seán Heely and Colin McGlynn with Connie Smith. Tidewater Pipes and Drums, performing for the first time in their stunning new Virginia International Tattoo Hixon Tartan regalia.

A Cèilidh (pronounce Kay-Lee) is a traditional Gaelic social gathering. Historically this would include poetry, storytelling and ballads, but now involves Celtic music and dancing. Its name originates from the Old Irish “céle” meaning companion, and became ceilidh, meaning “visit.”

Courtyard Cèilidh, part of the VAF Fall Arts Celebration, will be held in the courtyard space behind Clay and Jay Barr Education Center. Come outside - to the region's newest outdoor venue - to enjoy some performances by our talented artists in a safe experience