The Austin Celtic Festival and Highland Games hits its 30th anniversary next weekend, and it's a big one. The festival takes over Pioneer Farms in North Austin on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, running noon to 7:00 pm on Saturday and noon to 6:00 pm on Sunday, rain or shine. It's put on by the Austin Celtic Association and the Celtic Cultural Center of Texas, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Austin and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
The headline this year is the Men's Lightweight Highland Games World Championship, which brings world-class athletes to Austin to compete for the title. The heavy athletics — Caber Toss, Weight for Distance, and Weight Over Height — run all day both days, with divisions for men, women, lightweight, and masters. If you've got kids, there's a Children's Highland Games on Sunday that doesn't need any prior registration. For anyone wanting to compete, registration is open across all classes from Novice to Pro; inquiries go to austinhighlandgames@gmail.com.
On the music side, the lineup pulls from local, national, and international talent. Irish fiddler Frankie Gavin, who founded the traditional band De Dannan, plays with pianist Catherine McHugh, and the New York City group The Prodigals is on the bill alongside The Susquehanna Boom Company, The Tunechasers, and James Linden Hogg. Fiddler Alex Grene appears as a special guest, and Colin Farrell plays on Sunday.
If you'd rather learn than just listen, the ACF School of Traditional Arts fills the weekend with free beginner courses and master workshops, all of which need a festival ticket. There's an Irish Céilí Dance workshop at noon both days with the Texas Irish Dance Academy — no experience or partner required — an intro to Irish flute and whistle with Sean Tierney on Saturday, a fiddle demonstration and Q&A with Frankie Gavin at 2:00 pm, and a session on the Celtic roots of American music with James Linden Hogg. Later on Saturday, author Lisa A. Traugott leads an interactive presentation on Celtic myths and folklore, Professor Gregory Grene runs the Austin Celtic Fest Book Club around James Joyce's "The Dead," and the Scottish Country Dance Alliance teaches a country dance workshop. Sunday adds a fiddle journey around Ireland with Colin Farrell and a backing-on-the-fly guitar workshop with Dave Curley.
Beyond the main stages, there's a Celtic Dog Parade at 3:00 pm both days featuring registered Celtic breeds — and that's the only time pets are allowed on site — mini horse breed demonstrations, and an artisan market with more than 40 vendors. Food and drink are available throughout the weekend, but outside food, drink, and coolers aren't permitted.
A few practical notes before you go. Tickets are sold online only at www.austincelticfestival.com, with no gate sales and no refunds: $25 a day or $40 for the weekend for adults 17 and up, $12 a day or $20 for the weekend for children 5 to 16, and free for kids under 5. Parking is free on a grass field, though accessible parking is limited and first-come, first-served, and there's no public bus stop nearby, so plan your ride ahead. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, layers, and sun protection, and bring a folding chair or blanket since seating is limited. Static photography is fine, but video and professional gear are off-limits. For anything else, email austincelticfestival@gmail.com or call 512-431-6290.
Published Date
29 October 2026
