A Destination-Retreat for the Celtic Spirit
The Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival (SPICMF) is more than just a festival—it’s an immersive, four-day destination retreat that brings the rich traditions of Celtic music and culture to life.
What sets SPICMF apart is its unparalleled opportunity for direct engagement with world-renowned Celtic musicians, dancers, and scholars. Beyond mesmerizing concerts, attendees can participate in over fifty interactive workshops, demonstration talks, and open sessions—many of which are free—where the joy of singing, dancing, and playing together fosters a deep sense of community.
Committed to education and cultural preservation, the festival also provides complimentary musical and cultural programs to local schools, ensuring that the next generation connects with the living legacy of Celtic traditions.
With its unique blend of performance, education, and hands-on participation, SPICMF is the premier international Celtic music festival destination—a place where the spirit of Celtic culture thrives through creative exchange, exploration, and shared passion.
Join us at the Spanish Peaks and experience the heartbeat of Celtic heritage in an unforgettable setting!
Mission Statement
The SPICMF celebrates the living legacy of the worldwide Celtic cultures and traditions with opportunities to experience the diversity of Celtic spirit through creative interaction, education and performances.
From a Picnic Gathering to a World-Class Celebration
The Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival (SPICMF) began with a simple yet powerful idea—bringing people together through the shared love of Celtic music. Its roots trace back to 2001, when Scot Jack Yule and his wife, Barbara, hosted an intimate annual picnic in the remote town of Gardner, Colorado. Each summer, local and visiting musicians from Scotland would gather for an informal yet spirited celebration, where families joined in for communal singing, folk dancing, and lively Irish/Scottish ceilis.
What started as a small, grassroots tradition quickly gained momentum. By 2005, the event had evolved into a two-day festival, expanding beyond Gardner to reach Huerfano County, eastern Colorado, and beyond. Within just two years, it had blossomed into the four-day “destination-retreat” it is today—an internationally recognized festival where world-renowned Celtic musicians, dancers, and scholars come not only to perform but to educate, inspire, and engage.
Over the years, SPICMF has welcomed an impressive roster of celebrated artists, including Carlos Núñez, The High Kings, The Old Blind Dogs, Kevin Burke, John Doyle, Martin Hayes, HighTime, Moya Brennan, Kevin Crawford, Máirtín de Cógáin, and Ed Miller, among many others. With more than 50 workshops, demonstration talks, and open (free) sessions, along with the ever-popular late-night gatherings at local venues, the festival has remained true to its communal roots while growing into a premier international cultural event.
What began as a humble picnic in the Colorado mountains has transformed into a world-class festival that keeps the living legacy of Celtic music and culture thriving. Today, the Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival continues to honor its origins—offering a space where tradition and innovation meet, where music unites people, and where the spirit of the Celts finds a home beneath the majestic Spanish Peaks.
Our Location
We are located in Huerfano County, in the southeastern quadrant of Colorado, approximate three hours drive south on I-25 from Denver. At 7000 feet about sea level, we are surrounded by the Spanish Peaks to the south, the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the west, and Greenhorn mountain to the north.
Vision Statement
The premier international Celtic Music Festival Destination, located at the foot of the Spanish Peaks.
Keeping the Celtic Spirit Alive: How the Festival Thrives
Bringing world-class musicians and scholars from across North America, Scotland, Ireland, and beyond is no small feat—nor is it an inexpensive endeavor. Yet, year after year, the Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival (SPICMF) continues to flourish, thanks to the unwavering dedication of volunteers, sponsors, and donors who believe in its mission.
At its heart, SPICMF is a community-driven event, built on the generosity of individuals and businesses who offer their time, resources, and support. The festival’s success would not be possible without volunteers, who play an essential role in every aspect—from organizing logistics to ensuring smooth operations during the festival. Likewise, the kindness of local hosts who provide housing for musicians and the venue sponsors throughout Huerfano County, who often offer their spaces at no charge, help make this event possible.
A key figure in this effort is Artistic Director Pat McCullough of the Celtic Connection in Denver, whose expertise and connections allow the festival to recruit top-tier talent at a fraction of the usual cost. Through his dedication and skill, SPICMF consistently attracts some of the finest Celtic musicians in the world.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SPICMF relies heavily on donations and sponsorships to continue its mission of bringing exceptional Celtic music and cultural education to the region. Whether through a financial contribution, in-kind donation, or volunteer support, everyone has an opportunity to be part of this incredible tradition.
By supporting the festival, you help preserve and celebrate Celtic heritage while ensuring that the music, dance, and spirit of the Celts continue to inspire generations to come.
Our Partners
While you’re here check out the amazing partners that helped make it possible!
Our Partners
While you’re here check out the amazing partners that helped make it possible!
