Yosemite Celtic Festival 2025

Mark your calendar for November 1–2, 2025, because the Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games is coming back to Oakhurst, California, bringing two unforgettable days of Celtic culture, music, and athletic competition. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this festival celebrates the heart and heritage of the Celtic nations with a mix of tradition, strength, and joy that you can feel in every note of the pipes and every toss of the caber.

🎶 A Weekend Steeped in Celtic Heritage

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be swept away by the sights and sounds of the Celtic world — from the haunting melodies of bagpipes and drums to the rhythmic energy of traditional dances and the laughter of festival-goers dressed in tartans and kilts. The Yosemite Celtic Festival is a full-immersion experience designed for everyone — whether you’re a passionate Celt at heart or just discovering the magic of this culture for the first time.

The festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore the village of vendors, watch incredible athletes, and join in the celebration.

🎟️ Tickets: Get them here

⚔️ Highland Games, Music & Merriment

Feel the ground tremble during the Yosemite Winter Highland Games, where mighty athletes compete in feats of strength like the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone put — classic Scottish challenges that test both power and precision.

Meanwhile, the Pipe & Drum competitions will fill the air with stirring melodies, as world-class bands battle for musical glory. Between sets, catch Celtic dance performances, clan exhibitions, and storytelling sessions that bring centuries of culture to life.

Visitors can also indulge in whiskey tastings, enjoy a hearty bite from authentic food vendors, and shop for handmade treasures in the artisan market — from jewelry and tartan goods to local crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the festival’s quirky fun contests, including beard competitions and pie-eating challenges, adding a lighthearted twist to the ancient traditions.

🌄 Oakhurst: Gateway to Yosemite and Celtic Cheer

The town of Oakhurst, with around 5,000 residents, sits at the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, offering breathtaking mountain views and a relaxed, small-town vibe. Located along Highway 41, it’s easily reachable from Fresno (just 45 minutes away) and about four hours from San Francisco. The setting couldn’t be more perfect — crisp autumn air, golden hills, and the echo of bagpipes under the California sun.

📜 Event Snapshot

📅 Dates: November 1–2, 2025
📍 Location: Oakhurst, California (Sierra Nevada foothills)
🕒 Hours: Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. / Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: Available here
🎵 Highlights: Highland Games, Pipes & Drums, Clan Tents, Artisan Market, Whiskey Tastings

If you love events that blend culture, history, and pure fun, explore even more gatherings like this on the Renaissance Faires page or plan your next fall adventure with the November 2025 festival calendar .