Celtic Music Festival and Scottish Highland Games on the Mississippi Gulf Coast 2025

Get ready for one of the most spirited cultural celebrations in the South! The Celtic Music Festival and Scottish Highland Games on the Mississippi Gulf Coast 2025 returns to Gulfport, Mississippi, on November 8–9, 2025, bringing with it a weekend of music, strength, tradition, and fun for the whole family.

Organized by the Highlands & Islands Association of Celtic Gatherings, Inc., this annual event has become a beloved tradition, uniting visitors and locals alike in a joyful tribute to Scottish and Celtic heritage — complete with bagpipes, kilts, and plenty of laughter.

🎟️ Tickets: Buy yours here

⚔️ Strength, Sound & Spirit

The festival blends Highland athletic competitions, live Celtic music, and cultural performances into two unforgettable days of entertainment. You’ll witness athletes take on traditional Scottish feats such as the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone put, in officially sanctioned Highland Games contests that showcase raw power and precision.

Two live stages will keep the energy high all weekend long with Celtic and folk bands, pipe and drum performances, and traditional dance shows that will make your feet tap and your heart soar.

Visitors can also explore clan tents, artisan vendors, and food stalls serving up hearty Scottish and Celtic-inspired fare — from savory meat pies to sweet treats. The event’s warm, community-driven atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for families and fans of all ages.

🏴 A Weekend of Celtic Traditions

The Mississippi Gulf Coast festival doesn’t just celebrate heritage — it lives it. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy a series of special events that deepen the cultural experience, including:

• 🏰 Parade of the Clans, a colorful procession of Celtic lineage and pride.
• ✝️ Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan, a touching Sunday ceremony honoring family and tradition.
• 🎉 Saturday Evening Ceilidh, where music, dance, and laughter carry into the night.
• 🐑 Sheep-herding demonstrations and jousting shows, bringing old-world skills to life.

The festival’s mix of education, competition, and celebration captures the true essence of Celtic culture — bold, beautiful, and deeply connected to community.

🌊 Welcome to Gulfport, Mississippi

Nestled along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Gulfport is the state’s second-largest city, home to around 73,000 residents. It’s known for its vibrant waterfront, charming downtown, and southern hospitality. Easily accessible via Interstate 10 and Highway 49, Gulfport makes for a perfect weekend getaway — just an hour from New Orleans and minutes from the beach.

With its combination of seaside charm and cultural vibrancy, Gulfport provides an unforgettable setting for this Celtic celebration.