April 28, 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the oldest Celtic celebration in Maryland. Chosen in 2000 by Congressman Steny Hoyer to represent Southern Maryland in the national "Local Legacy" project of the Library of Congress’ Bicentennial celebration, The Southern Maryland Celtic Festival and Highland Gathering highlights the heritage of the Breton, Cornish, Irish, Manx, Scots, and Welsh.
The festival is scheduled on the last Saturday of April every year from 10 AM to 6 PM Rain or Shine on the 560-acre Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, with a Ceilidh ("after-party") extending through the evening until 9 or 10PM. Look for our flyers each year so you can start inviting friends and neighbors to go with you and share our common heritage (or learn about someone else’s!). While the park will allow pets, it would be less stressful for them if you left your furry friends at home.
More than 50 clans and societies have information to share. Three performing stages offer continuous music and dance featuring internationally known recording artists and groups. Watch craft and country-dance demonstrations and listen to harp, and Scottish fiddling while storytellers weave tales near grazing sheep alongside historical displays, crafts and food. There is a Celtic market place for foods and gifts provide an old world atmosphere. All-day Competitions include pipers, highland dancers, athletes, drummers, and pipe bands. After closing ceremonies, join us in the dance pavilion for the evening ceilidh ("after party") with special guest performers from the day's stages, food and beverages available for purchase.
WORKSHOP PASS - - NEW THIS YEAR! - The purchase of this ticket includes General Admission to the Festival and access to workshops presented in the Workshop Tent. One Workshop Pass is your admittance to as many workshops as you can manage. Bring your instrument, recording device, and learn tunes, techniques, and styles from the pros! A variety of other demonstrations, and informative talkswill be offered in an intimate setting throughout the entire day in the Celtic Arts Education Group (CAEG). See the schedules provided on our Festival Entertainment page.
