The first festival was started out of a desire to connect to Celtic culture, to bring people together and to celebrate celts in Australia. In its inaugural year, the event focused on classic Celtic celebrations, including foot-stomping music, good food and great craic.

Over the last 20 years, the festival has taken on a new form while staying true to its homage. After a significant move to Portarlington in 2004, the National Celtic Folk Festival has become a winter staple in the small, historic town, taking place over the June long weekend every year. Spanning over ten venues, the event now includes a wide variety of activities including Irish and Scottish ceili, bush dances, theatre, pipes and drums, Celtic martial arts and most recently, the Heavy Games.