The Celtic Classic Festival will not return in 2027. On October 28, 2026, Celtic Cultural Alliance announced it is concluding operations after the festival’s 39th edition in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
In its official statement, the nonprofit cited rising expenses, weather disruptions, changing visitor spending and the pandemic’s lasting financial effects. It thanked the volunteers, performers, athletes, vendors and supporters who sustained the event.
For the piping community, the closure ends a longstanding gathering for music, competition and friendship in Bethlehem.
Our Celtic Classic event listing now records the closure rather than advertising a future festival.
See also the Facebook announcement. What is your favorite Celtic Classic memory? Share it in the discussion on Facebook.
Image supplied with the announcement.