Andrew McKee

An accomplished and relentless multi-instrumentalist, Andrew McKee has been part of the Sherwood Forest Faire experience since the beginning. Andrew is one half of Brobdingnagian Bards, who went on to be the first internet-savvy Celtic group - basically ANYWHERE - and proceeded to put their big Brobdingnagian foot in the door of the Celtic Music scene in the digital realm. Andrew's solo shows are delightful, always including some great laughs and he's sure to join in with some guests thoughout the day and at the Pub Sing. Catch this accomplished travelling bard at The Three Stags Pub and Villager's Square both Saturday and Sunday.

Bill Oliver & The Otter Space Band

Austin singer/songwriter Bill Oliver, better known in music and environmental circles as Mr. Habitat, writes and performs songs with messages of environmental stewardship for all who will listen. Join him and his fun-loving, lake-faring crew at The Faery Forest Stage both Saturday and Sunday.

Blaggards

Blaggards have been rockin' and rollin Sherwood Celtic Fest since we first began in 2011, and it is an honor to host them this year of Sherwood's Celtic Yuletide Festival. Blaggards like to shred something they call Stout Irish Rock: traditional Irish music mixed with rock n’ roll, influenced by everything from Johnny Cash and Elvis to Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath. They are most frequently compared to bands like Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, and The Pogues. They’ll join us on Saturday only for three priceless sets on the Greenwoode Theatre stage.

The Byrne Brothers

The Byrne Brothers are a multi award-winning Donegal band, now electrifying audiences across the USA with their "Next Generation Irish Trad, Folk and Dance Music"!

With over 250,000 followers and well over 50 million music video views, The Byrne Brothers are among the most followed and sought after Irish music bands in the US and Ireland and are ready to take on the world!

This "must see" festival headlining powerhouse band create unforgettable feel-good high energy Traditional Irish Music shows with a modern twist that has audiences dancing on their feet and mesmerized by their talent.

They'll spend all weekend with us from Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday at The Elven Hill Stage!



Caitlin Sickels

Coming soon.

Celtic Archery Tournament

Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival proudly present the Sherwood Archers!

These renown masters of the bow travel the country and the world, year round, winning national and world titles and smashing records. Come see these competitive pros in action at the Highland Games Arena. The Sherwood Archers will be competing at the Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival both Saturday and Sunday.

Tournament rules including entry requirements can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1894109747480756/



Earl Grey in the Morning

With their diverse and meticulous talents combined, Kristen Jensen and Al Cofrin of Earl Grey in the Morning offer their own recipe of original music as a violin and guitar duo based in Houston, Tx. With some equally talented friends joining them at The Elven Hill Stage, they are ready to share music with you that touches on many different genres including Classical, Jazz, Ragtime, and Celtic. Follow your ears midday as they present a showcase of traditional Celtic Dances that you can join in! Find them both Saturday and Sunday at The Elven Hill Stage.



Ed Miller

If you are looking for nostalgic, Brigadoonish schlock, this is NOT your man. But if you like good songs sung well, with a healthy mixture of realism and humor, you’ve found the right artist. Ed first learned his craft in the pubs and clubs of Edinburgh during the folk revival days of the 1960s; and his repertoire shows the width of that movement. From old traditional ballads and timeless songs of Robert Burns to contemporary songs of urban change, emigration, nationalism, and humor, a performance by Ed Miller gives a real taste of Scotland and shows his continuing love and knowledge of his homeland. Don’t be surprised, however, if he draws musical connections between the old country and his adopted home in Texas. Ed will join us Saturday at the Elven Hill Stage.



Emlyn Drake

Emlyn Drake has been studying violin since the age of three; and while she is classically trained, she has a particular fondness for Celtic fiddle. She has been performing locally around the Austin area for many years as well as The Texas Renaissance Festival in the fall, and Sherwood Forest Faire in the Spring. She has also appeared at the Old Fiddlers reunion in Athens, Texas and at Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Texas. Her repertoire includes Irish jigs and Scottish airs, plus a few movie favorites. Emlyn will can be found all around the Festival both Saturday and Sunday at The Argosy Stage, The Greenwoode Theatre, The Three Stags Pub, and The Three Celestials Stage.

Hawk Walk

The Hawk Walk is an exciting add-on interactive event for festival days! The Falconer, and his small tour of no more than 15, walk the grounds flying the hawks from the trees to the gloved fist of each patron in turn while they experience the historical art of falconry. Patrons will enjoy the thrill of a bird of prey interacting with a trusted human companion. And between showings you'll be abe to visit the Royal mews - that's the Zoo-like area where the birds relax between shows.

Ticket price does not include festival admission.

Hawk Walks are Saturday Noon and 4 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.

Highland Games

Great Scots performing spectacles of strength and skill are guaranteed at the Highland Games Arena! These intense traditional competitions will last all day Saturday and part of the day Sunday. The games include Scottish Hammer Swinging, Shot Put, Weight over the Bar, the crowd favorite Caber Toss, and much more. Competitors of all ages are welcome to join in the fun!

For those interested in competing in the games, please check out the Highland Games at Sherwood Forest Faire Registration Page for more details!

HUP!

HUP! is Houston’s premier traditional Irish band. Members include Matt Lewis (guitar, flute, whistles, and vocals), Robert Shaddox (vocals, bodhran), Larry Mallette (flute, whistles), Tess Hartis (fiddle, vocals), and Katie Geringer (fiddle, vocals). Their driving dance tunes will set your feet to tapping and their gorgeous ballads will warm your heart. This rockin’ Trad Irish band will keep you moving both Saturday and Sunday at The Elven Hill Stage.



Hurdy Gurdy Harry

The French call it the vielle a roue, which is a fiddle with a wheel, but in English they call it a Hurdy Gurdy. This curious instrument is not only one of the more unique European musical inventions - it's one of the oldest. Master instumentalist Hurdy Gurdy Harry will demonstrate how the Celts emlpoyed this incredible contraption in days of olde - as well as how it can be electricfied and employed for more modern compositions. Harry will join us both Saturday and Sunday at the Villager's Square as well as The Three Stags Pub.



Killian's Angels

Since Killian’s Angels’ first performance in 2001 at JC Wooloughan’s Pub in Las Vegas, their warm, unpredictable and energetic shows continue to entertain audiences from all walks of life. Their original arrangement "Celtic High Step” was featured in the October 2012 premier episode in the Emmy nominated CBS drama, Elementary. The same song is also featured in the NYC Pub Scene in the popular video game, "Grand Theft Auto IV". Along with being listed as a "Must See Band" in Pauline Frommer's 2008 Las Vegas Travel Guide, Killian's Angels won National Radio Honors in 2006 with King World for their original version of the Jeopardy theme song.

Killian’s Angels features Beth Mullaney on vocals, mandolin, guitar, Irish tenor banjo, harmonica, spoons and bodhran, Ginger Bruner on bass and tuba, Vita Corimbi on vocals and keyboard, Dolly Coulter on vocals, keyboard and melodica, Anne Donahue on vocals and guitar, Nannette Fortier on drums and tin whistle, and Marlo Zemartis on violin. Killian's Angels will join us Friday night for our pre-show at Elven Hill and will spend both Saturday and Sunday sailing on the Argosy Stage.



Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartan

On Sunday morning Rev. Jay Vocelka (Monk Michael) will hold a Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan at Maid Marian’s Chapel. This blessing to honor friends who’ve passed dates back to a time when Scottish traditions were banned in Scotland herself by her oppressors. All are welcome to join and all who do are invited to bring a swath of your own Tartan to hold as we recall the lives of our loved ones.



Klaus Weiland

Klaus Weiland, who used to "be someone" on the German folk-rock scene was in fact world famous... in Germany anyway. At the height of his stardom Klaus “disappeared” on the road to India somewhere deep in the 70's. Klaus has since serendipitously turned up in medieval Nottingham at Sherwood Forest Faire where he holds court daily at his family shoe shop, Medieval Moccasins. This year Klaus will join us for the Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival, too. Come visit him both Saturday and Sunday near the Highland Games Arena.



Kris Colt – Black Rose

Kris Colt – Black Rose is a touring Singer/Songwriter specializing in Festival Music of the British Isles - with an Appalachian Twist! Join her for a journey of musical storytelling both Saturday and Sunday at The Three Stags Pub.



Laura Freeman and Friends

Romping, Stomping Music for Children of All Ages! Laura Freeman writes and performs music for kids! Fun Folksy melodies with an emphasis on nature and singing together, Laura and her friends are bound for the Faery Forest Stage where they'll lead sing-alongs both Saturday and Sunday of the festival.

Misty Posey

Misty Posey is a high soprano singer-songwriter with astonishingly pure vocals. Her voice goes from “fairy-like” and “angelic” to powerfully high notes in a seamless blend of old-world Celtic, classical, and contemporary music. Misty released her debut album of Celtic/Classical Crossover songs in December 2018 and began touring nationwide. Renaissance and Celtic Festivals fill her performance schedule as she continues adding sean-nós and traditional songs to her sets. She welcomes you to the Lionheart Tavern on Sunday to bask in her musical magic.



O’Malarkey

You'll always have a great time with O'Malarkey! You’ll find this fun-loving, laid back Irish Trad band at the Lionheart Tavern both Saturday and Sunday. Here’s their recipe for fun Celtic music on the run:

~Take one smidgen of traditional Irish tunes

~Add a pinch of contemporary Celtic

~Season to taste with humor and song

~Blend well at high speed for 30 minutes or longer

~Slam it down, chase with Scotch, and call it O’Malarkey!

Piper Gunn: Bagpiper

Playing bagpipes for over 30 years, instrumentalist Piper Gunn brings the sounds of the Scottish Highlands to your ears at Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival. Enjoy classic melodies from Scotland and festive Christmas tunes while raising a mug to toast Piper Gunn's original music as you follow the sound of bagpipes across various stages throughout the festival both Saturday and Sunday. Ever seeking to deepen his knowledge of bagpipes, be sure to ask Piper Gunn about his new piping venture Kenneth Gunn Bagpipes as he learns to build expertly-crafted bagpipes for future pipers and audiences to enjoy!



Rover’s Way

Rover's Way are Matt and Keira, US-based folk musicians currently traveling full time, performing at renaissance and Celtic festivals across the continental US. Their debut duo album The Journey, released in late August 2023, is the culmination of nearly two years of musical transformation and growth. This most-welcoming husband-and-wife duo are no strangers to The Lionheart Tavern, where they shall host a slew of musical guests both Saturday and Sunday.



The Roxlovians

Ky Hote, the Most Dangerous Guitar Player, is a family musical man. He and his Roxlovian cousins are constantly reshaping their musical sound and they also like to reshape the form their band may take. With a fiddler in every port and a penchant for breaking guitar strings, Ky Hote leads The Roxlovians at The Three Stags Pub and Villager's Square both Saturday and Sunday.



San Antonio Pipes n Drums

The San Antonio Pipes and Drums, a non-profit organization formed in 1986, strive to present traditional bagpipe band music for the enjoyment of both musician and audience. Members wear traditional Scottish attire, each kilt an authentic tartan of the member's choice so that many clans are represented. Instruments played are the Great Highland Bagpipes and specially tuned drums. The group strives to improve performance and to encourage and assist beginners. They have played for audiences at festivals, weddings, ceremonies, and for dignitaries from the Queen of England to the President of Mexico. Join them Sunday for several rousing performances and marches at various venues.



Santa and Mrs. Claus

Santa Claus hasn't finished his list just yet... No, he and Mrs. Claus heard about the Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival and they knew there would be some very special children coming - so to get these kids' Christmas wishes just right they've decided to spend ALL DAY both Saturday and Sunday taking requests from your bairns and wee-'uns at the Grove Gazebo right near the Front Gate Christmas Tree. Sherwood Photographers will be uploading your portaits online that you can download for FREE. No gimmicks - just freelance photogs who want to share the joy of the season - Sherwood-style.



Sean Orr's Celtic Texas

Celtic music with a Texas Brogue. Sean Orr's Celtic Texas focuses on high energy Irish and Scottish music. Sean has been a fixture of the central Texas Celtic music scene for over twenty five years and he's held residencies at several Irish Pubs as well as being a regular at many Celtic Festivals. Celtic Texas joins us Sunday at The Greenwoode Theatre just inside the Front Gate.



Shillelagh!

Shillelagh! is currently the only InterCentury Texas Celtidelic OverDrive Jam Band still perfoming live. And they are no strangers to Sherwood Forest. Regaling you at gatherings, Celtic events, and sometimes at the faire on various stages, these gifted artists make music in the realm of living traditions, especially those of the British Isles and Ireland. Enjoy this unique and various band of true musical explorers, dedicated to their craft and their love for melodic adventures. They'll hold court both Saturday and Sunday at The Greenwoode Theatre.



Solar Rain Fire Show

Solar Rain weaves firey wizardry with live flames, blood, sweat and tears. These dedicated artists master the power of all the elements to bring you a mezmerizing spectacle of light and shadow. This season Solar Rain Fire Show joins SYR for their finale set on Saturday evening only at The Greenwoode Theatre.



St. Thomas Alumni Pipes and Drums

The St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band is a competitive Grade 1 bagpipe band based in Houston, TX. These are some of the most accomplished and technically advanced pipers in Texas, which means - in the World! These sharp-dressed pipers and drummers will play on Saturday at various locations around the festival grounds including the Highland Games arena, the Elven Hill Stage, and the Lionheart Tavern.



SYR

SYR (pronounced “sire”) is a Celtic Folk Rock band from the U.S. Drawing inspiration from Celtic history, stories, and myths, SYR crafts powerful songs with ancient themes that still resonate today. Blending traditional folk sounds with a harder musical edge, the band celebrates the rich heritage of the Celtic world in their own unique style.



SYR’s reputation for a high-energy performance has made them a welcome addition to Celtic, Scottish, and Irish festivals and events across the US and internationally. Join these special guests for our Friday evening kick-off show and on the Greenwoode Theatre for both Saturday and Sunday.

Thomas “Doc” Grauzer

Thomas “Doc” Grauzer plays harp music of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods on modern lever- and historical wire-strung Irish harps. He is a harper and storyteller of the Irish tradition, based in Austin, Texas. He enjoys telling to his listeners the stories of the composers and performers, historical anecdotes, folklore, and features the Irish language in his tales. Join Doc on the Three Celestials Stage both Saturday and Sunday.



The Toasted Clover

Sam Kesler is a nationally touring musician and comedian performing his solo show ‘The Toasted Clover’ at Renaissance Faires, Celtic festivals, and music venues all across the country. He is also an accomplished classical and finger-style ukulele player, and is proudly sponsored by Kanileʻa ʻUkulele. Come see him on Saturday and Sunday at the Lionheart Tavern and The Three Stags Pub as he celebrates his new album, "The Irish Bard (Who Isn't Irish)".

Whiskey on a Sunday

Whiskey on a Sunday is Texas’s premier (and only) Flogging Molly tribute band. They bring the high-energy Celtic punk you know and love! Although their main focus is Flogging Molly music, they also play songs from The Decembrists, Dropkick Murphy’s, and original tunes all their own. They hail from Austin, TX and frequently play Irish Pubs like Kelley’s and other venues. Sherwood Forest is overjoyed to welcome these rollicking revelers back for this year’s Celtic festivities! Catch them pirating at The Argosy Stage both Saturday and Sunday.

The Yokes

The Yokes are four aspiring Celtic foot-stompers who have been bringing lively versions of Celtic favorites to hard-drinkin’ joints like B.D. Riley’s in downtown Austin. Join them both Saturday and Sunday at The Argosy Stage for the perfect blend between traditional Irish Music and Celtic Rock-n-Roll.