Back to All Events

Long Lake Ceilidh | March 15, 2026

Sunday, March 15, 2026
11:00 AM 4:00 PM

Long Lake Town Hall 1204 Main Street Long Lake, NY, 12847 United States (map)

Google Calendar ICS

Long Lake Celtic Ceilidh Brings Music, Dancing, and Irish Spirit to the Adirondacks

Celebrate St. Patrick’s weekend with music and dance in Long Lake.

The spirit of St. Patrick’s Day arrives in the central Adirondacks on Sunday, March 15, 2026, when the Town of Long Lake Parks and Recreation Department hosts a lively Celtic Ceilidh at the Long Lake Town Hall, 1204 Main St., Long Lake, NY.

Running from 11 am to 4 pm, this free, family-friendly celebration invites visitors and locals alike to experience the joyful traditions of Celtic music and dance. With live performances, an open music jam, and beginner-friendly contra dancing, the event offers a welcoming atmosphere for anyone looking to add a little Irish flair to their Adirondack weekend.

For travelers exploring St. Patrick’s Day events in the Adirondacks, the Long Lake Celtic Ceilidh offers a relaxed, community-focused celebration filled with music, movement, and plenty of small-town charm.

Live Celtic music from North Country Fair.

The day begins with live music from North Country Fair, a talented ensemble known across the North Country for their spirited interpretations of Celtic and Quebecois tunes.

Their concert runs from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, filling the Long Lake Town Hall with lively melodies performed on traditional instruments. The group features a lineup of experienced regional musicians:

Doug Riley — cittern, guitar, and vocals
Rick Kovacs — fiddle and guitar
Riczi Kovacs — Irish flute, guitar, and tin whistles
Angie Kovacs — harp and vocals
Katrina Sheats — vocals

North Country Fair traces its roots back to the late 1990s, when Doug Riley and Rick and Angie Kovacs first began performing together. Over the years, the ensemble expanded to include additional musicians while maintaining its dedication to traditional Celtic and Quebecois musical styles.

Their performances blend fiddle-driven dance tunes, traditional ballads, and rhythmic folk melodies that feel perfectly suited to an Adirondack gathering.

Open Celtic music jam welcomes local musicians.

After the opening concert, the stage opens to the community.

From 1 pm to 2:30 pm, North Country Fair invites local musicians to join an open Celtic music jam. Players of all experience levels can bring their instruments and jump into the session, creating a spontaneous mix of reels, jigs, and folk tunes.

Jam sessions like this reflect the social roots of Celtic music, where musicians gather informally to share tunes and keep traditions alive. For spectators, it’s a rare chance to watch the musical conversation unfold in real time.

Contra dancing welcomes beginners and experienced dancers.

The celebration concludes with a traditional contra dance from 2:30 pm to 4 pm, accompanied by live Celtic music.

Contra dancing blends influences from English country dancing and Scottish dance traditions, creating a lively and social experience that pairs dancers in long lines and simple patterns. While it may look complex at first glance, organizers emphasize that no experience is required.

All dances will be taught, making the event perfect for beginners.

Participants ages 12 and up can join the dancing, but visitors also enjoy simply watching the colorful movement of dancers gliding across the floor. The lively music and communal spirit create an atmosphere that feels both festive and welcoming.

People contra dancing on St. Patrick's Day

Refreshments support the Long Lake community.

Throughout the event, the Long Lake Lions Club will offer refreshments for purchase. Proceeds benefit the organization’s charitable programs and community initiatives in the Long Lake area.

Visitors who attend the Ceilidh not only enjoy an afternoon of music and dancing but also support projects that benefit the local community throughout the year.

A festive Adirondack way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

While large cities celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades and crowded pubs, Adirondack communities often celebrate with gatherings like the Long Lake Celtic Ceilidh — events that highlight music, tradition, and community connection.

With free admission, live music, dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Ceilidh offers a memorable way to celebrate Irish culture in the heart of the Adirondacks.

Visitors can come for the music, join the jam session, learn a new dance, or simply relax and enjoy the festivities.

For more details and updates, visitors should contact the Town of Long Lake Parks and Recreation Department at 518-624-3077 or visit the Town of Long Lake website.