Get Your Celt On At The First-Ever Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games

OAKHURST, CA, October 21, 2025—The foothills will be alive with the sound of bagpipes as the first-ever Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games takes place on November 1 & 2, 2025, at the Oakhurst Community Center (39800 Rd 425B, Oakhurst, CA). The festival gates are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, with the Opening Ceremony at 11:00 am, and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday. This inaugural two-day event will bring the rich traditions of Celtic culture to the southern Yosemite region. 

Festival-goers can look forward to a full schedule of Highland athletic competitions hosted by Scottish Highland Athletics, including the caber toss and the ca"bear" toss for the kids, weight over the bar, and the stone put. The competitions don't end there; registration is open for the WUSPABA-sanctioned piping and drum competitions, showcase bold and creative facial hair at the Great Celtic Beard-Off, and get messy at the Pie Eating Contest sponsored by Yosemite Pie Company. 

Listen to the stirring tunes of Tempest, Celtic Alchemy, Fresno Stag & Thistle, the Mariposa Ukulele Ensemble, Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen, and Oakhurst's own Ariel Barker the Violinist, throughout the weekend. Browse artisan vendors and savor traditional flavors of meat pies, jerky, and freshly baked treats. Explore the Norse encampment to learn about the lives of Vikings presented by Dark Boar Vikings, and step into the heart of heritage on Clan Row to meet clan representatives, explore family history, and share stories.  

"The response to the Yosemite Celtic Festival has been absolutely incredible—Celtic fever has taken hold in the Sierra!" Expressed Kimberly Vaughan, Executive Producer of the Yosemite Celtic Festival. "From clans and bands to families and first time visitors, everyone is embracing the spirit of the Highlands with such passion and excitement. It's heartwarming to see our community come together to celebrate culture, music, and heritage in such a powerful way." 

Admission tickets are available now at www.yosemitecelticfestival.com/tickets. Additionally, tickets are available for Tarts & Tea with Royalty at Her Majesty's Royal Court, Whisky Tastings hosted by Dan McClesky, and a magical children's Story & Tea Time with Miranda the Forest Fairy in the Fairy Village.  

Produced by Kimberly Vaughan Enterprises, LLC, with the help of local sponsors and volunteers, the Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games is expected to draw locals and visitors alike, creating a new cultural tradition in Yosemite's southern gateway community. Tickets and full event details are available at www.yosemitecelticfestival.com.