Celtic Music Festival and Scottish Highland Games on the Mississippi Gulf Coast 2026

The Celtic Music Festival and Scottish Highland Games on the Mississippi Gulf Coast returns to Harrison County Fairgrounds in Gulfport, Mississippi, on November 14–15, 2026. The weekend brings together Highland athletic competitions, Celtic musicians, Irish dancers, historical demonstrations, and clan gatherings.

This year’s theme, “USA: 250 Years of Celtic Heritage,” explores the influence of Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and other Celtic traditions on American history and culture.

🕒 Opening Hours

• Saturday, November 14: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Sunday, November 15: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Saturday admission also includes the Ceilidh afterparty.

⚔️ Scottish Highland Games

Highland athletic competitions take place on both days. Events include the stone put, weight throw, caber toss, Scottish hammer throw, and sheaf toss, testing different combinations of strength, technique, and control.

The caber toss focuses on turning a wooden pole end over end and achieving an accurate landing rather than throwing it the greatest distance. Other disciplines challenge athletes to throw implements for distance or clear a raised bar.

Celtic Music and Irish Dance

The musical lineup brings together performers from across the United States, with the following artists announced:

• The Kiltlifters.
• The Jollies.
• The Jacobites by Name.
• Chambless, Muse and Vogts.
• Blarney Coast.
• Celtic Crossroads.
• The Crescent and Clover Celtic Band.
• Red McWilliams.

Bagpipes and drums also feature in the festival’s entertainment, alongside Irish dancing by the MacCrossan School of Irish Dance and the Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance.

Jousting, Demonstrations, and Family Activities

The festival includes jousting by Knight’s Errant and sheep-herding demonstrations with David Rogers and his Border Collies. Visitors can watch the dogs respond to commands as they guide livestock.

The Renaissance Village, supported by the local Society for Creative Anachronism chapter, introduces medieval arts and skills. Other announced attractions include:

• Bagpipe workshops with Matthew Beale.
• Storytelling with Rickey Pittman.
• Storytime with Princess Merida.
• Whispers of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Normans of the Southern Sun.
• SCA – Barony of Seleone.
• A unicorn appearance by Silvertails Pony Rides.
• Deep South Archery on Sunday only.

Clan tents provide opportunities to explore Scottish heritage, while artisans and merchants offer handmade goods and Scottish-themed products. Food vendors and axe throwing add to the activities across the grounds.

The gathering is part of the calendar of historical and cultural festivals in Mississippi, bringing music, athletics, and living-history activities together over one weekend.

🎟 Tickets and Prices

• Adults ages 19–59: $15 for one day.
• Young people ages 13–18: $10 for one day.
• Seniors ages 60 and older: $10 for one day.
• Military admission: $10 for one day for active service members, veterans, and their dependents with proof of identification.
• Children ages 12 and younger: free admission, with no ticket required.
• Weekend pass for ages 13 and older: $20 for both days.

No additional senior or military discount applies to the weekend pass. Online ticket sales run through November 10, and tickets will also be available at the gate.

Buy official festival tickets.

For more events during the same month, browse festivals in November 2026. The Celtic festivals calendar includes other gatherings centered on music and heritage.

📍 Venue and Approximate Road Distances

The event takes place at Harrison County Fairgrounds, 15321 County Farm Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.

Approximate driving distances to Gulfport are listed below. The final distance to the fairgrounds depends on the route and starting point.

• Biloxi, Mississippi: 13 mi.
• Ocean Springs, Mississippi: 17 mi.
• Pascagoula, Mississippi: 42 mi.
• Hattiesburg, Mississippi: 69 mi.
• Mobile, Alabama: 75 mi.
• New Orleans, Louisiana: 78 mi.