Come celebrate springtime—warmth, light, flowers, sap, songbirds, and all things green and growing--at the 16th Annual Beltane Celebration. We'll be gathering on the banks of the beautiful Norton Brook Reservoir at the Waterworks Property in Bristol to welcome the warmest months of the year with food, music, poetry, campfire, and a wee bit of dancing 'round the maypole. Bring your family and friends, a dish to share, and a plate, cup, and utensils if you can.

Also known as May Day, Beltane marks the return of greenery and abundance. Mid-way between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, Beltane also celebrates the beginning of solar summer, the three months in the Northern Hemisphere with the most daylight hours. Legend has it that the first Beltane festival was held in 902 AD at the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary, Ireland.

Celebrated for centuries across Europe, Beltane customs vary from country to country, but all include a bonfire, feasting, and dancing—and usually some variation on the May Pole dance. Traditionally, Celts led their cattle between two Beltane bonfires before leading them off to summer pasture.

Join us for this rain-or-shine celebration. The Waterworks Property is located at 4783 Plank Road in Bristol. Walk the main trail .5 miles to the Norton Brook Reservoir.

Dec 19, 2024, 10 to 11 AM

Dec 24, 2024, 6 to 7 PM

Dec 25, 2024, 9 AM to 12 PM