Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival and Highland Games 2026

Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival and Highland Games 2026 will take place on June 26 & 27, 2026, at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds in Holland, Michigan. This fifth annual celebration brings together Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and wider Celtic traditions through live music, dance, Highland Games, bagpipes and drums, Celtic food, history, vendors, clans, and family activities.
The event is part of the wider calendar of Celtic Festivals and also appears among the seasonal highlights for Renaissance Faires and Medieval Festivals in June 2026.
⚔️ What to Expect
The Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival & Highland Games is an annual celebration dedicated to Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and other Celtic cultures. Visitors can expect a full range of cultural, athletic, musical, and family-oriented activities across the festival grounds.
Highlights include:
- Highland Games
- Celtic music and dance
- Bagpipes and drums
- Scottish clans
- Historical elements
- Celtic vendors
- Children’s area
- Tomahawk throwing
- Traditional food such as fish and chips and shepherd’s pie
The 2026 edition is described as the fifth annual event, continuing its role as a regional gathering for Celtic heritage, performance, food, and athletic traditions.
🏰 Venue: Ottawa County Fairgrounds
The event will be held at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, a spacious venue located at 1286 Ottawa Beach Road. Its fairground setting makes it suitable for outdoor cultural festivals, athletic demonstrations, vendor areas, food stands, and family activities.
The location is accessible by road and sits within reach of Lake Michigan, downtown services, and nearby lodging options.
📍 About the City
Holland is a city in western Michigan, near Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. It has a population of around 34,400 residents and is known for its Dutch heritage, local history, waterfront setting, and strong community events calendar.
The city was settled in the 19th century by Dutch immigrants and retains a clear cultural identity through architecture, festivals, and local traditions. Visitors can reach the area by car via major regional routes, including connections from Grand Rapids and the Lake Michigan shoreline. The closest major airport is in Grand Rapids, making it a practical option for visitors traveling from outside Michigan.
🚗 Approximate Distances from the Venue
Major Cities in Michigan
| City | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI | 31 miles |
| Kalamazoo, MI | 58 miles |
| Lansing, MI | 91 miles |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 160 miles |
| Detroit, MI | 181 miles |
| Traverse City, MI | 165 miles |
Major Cities in the United States
| City | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 148 miles |
| New York, NY | 760 miles |
| Philadelphia, PA | 700 miles |
| Houston, TX | 1,170 miles |
| Phoenix, AZ | 1,850 miles |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2,130 miles |
🎟 Tickets
Tickets for Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival and Highland Games 2026 are available online through the official ticketing page:
More events in MI
Date:
June 26 - June 27
Location:
Holland
,
MI
Organizer:
Holland Celtic Society
Official website:
hollandcelticfestival.org