MusikFest
Did you know that we have a WORLD FAMOUS music and arts festival right in our hometown of Bethlehem? Yes, indeed we do! Musikfest, which is presented by the nonprofit ArtsQuest, started in 1984 to provide a voice to the arts and help revitalize Bethlehem’s Main Street area. Today, Musikfest offers over 500 music and art performances over an amazing ten days every August, making it the largest FREE ADMISSION music festival in the United States.
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar is the proud sponsor of the Red Stag Pub Platz (otherwise known as Liederplatz) — located diagonally from the Red Stag Pub. You can actually sit with your favorite pup on our Paddy-O and listen to the music.
Celtic Classic Festival
Shortly after opening Donegal Square (located down 3 stairs and a few steps from the Pub), the concept of creating a Celtic Festival in Bethlehem was presented to Neville by a local business man. Neville is very proud of his heritage and has always had a strong desire to share his knowledge with the community, so the opportunity to educate people about Celtic Culture and Northern Ireland piqued his interest. For years he had been frustrated by the negative connotation and mis-information about Northern Ireland, and hoped that this type of event would help opposing sides in Ireland, and show that we need to celebrate each other’s cultures instead of fighting over them.
Neville’s idea was that a festival such as this could help to pay it forward and create a better society. This cultural event — celebrating all Celtic Culture — was born with the hope that somehow word would travel back home and would improve the situation in Northern Ireland.
This festival is truly about experiencing the Celtic culture through a variety of activities, music, food, performances and crafts. Donegal Square has been helping support, promote, develop and market Celtic Classic and the Celtic Cultural Alliance since its inception in 1987.
While enjoying Celtic Classic, stop by McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub for the “Celtic Fringe” Festival — right outside the pub on Walnut Street in Bethlehem. Experience live music, homemade Celtic cuisine made by our very own Executive Chef and Sous Chef, and experience our full selection of whiskey, beer and other cocktails from our in-house Mixologists. For more information on the Celtic Fringe Festival visit Red Stag Pub Festivals.
We have been coming to McCarthy’s for the last 4 years. The staff is consistently warm and friendly. It truly feels like you are visiting family. The food is the best around — every time — deliciously refined while comforting and wholesome. The atmosphere is fun and vibrant. Easily the best selection of Scotch in the county! Makes one long for a visit to the Irish Countryside. Cannot give this restaurant enough praise! Our absolute favorite place to be.
– Ron and Cathy Mills and Family
A MISSION BEYOND
The mission of the Celtic Cultural Alliance is to promote and preserve Celtic Culture. The CCA’s flagship event is the Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival held each September in Bethlehem. The Celtic Classic, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017, is a three-day celebration of all things Celtic: music, dancing, crafts, food and Highland games.
In addition to the Celtic Classic, the Celtic Cultural Alliance offers year-round educational programming in art, music, language, and much more. Each year, the CCA awards scholarships to young students studying Celtic music and dance, thus ensuring that the younger generation continues to embrace the Celtic traditional arts.
Red Stag Pub Festivals
From whiskey to traditional Celtic fun, join us for our series of Red Stag Pub sponsored Festivals throughout the year in the Pub — or even around Historic Bethlehem. We are proud sponsors of the McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub Platz (Liederplatz) at the world famous Musikfest here in Bethlehem, PA.
The Whiskey Ceilidh
Our Annual Whiskey Ceilidh A Festival of Whiskey Rarities! Sign up for one of our two sessions to tour the craft world of whiskey .The premise of the Whiskey Ceilidh is the sensory experience of all things Whiskey. Each session includes expert knowledge from the whiskey representatives, a commemorative whiskey nosing glass, fantastic food, and more. The VIP Premium Session includes additional select rarities and food during the session.
OYSTER & GUINNESS FESTIVAL
Happening Indoors throughout McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Our Patty-O to kick off the Celtic Classic season in style with our annual Oysters + Guinness Street Fest!
FEATURING:
• Oysters Rockefeller, Raw Oyster Bar, & More!
• Guinness pouring all day!
• Live entertainment!