Held the first weekend in November, the Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games is the perfect event for your entire family! Not only do you get to bring your kids outside to this amazing outdoor event in Rillito Park, but you also get to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of another culture. There is something for everyone at the Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Like many of the fabulous Things to Do in Tucson, the Tucson Celtic Festival takes advantage of the adundant sunlight and excellent climate to throw an amazing outdoor event. By taking advantage of the space provided by Rillito Park, the sprawling event was complete with a massive traditional Scottish Highland Games arena. The sheer breadth of the event was a sight to behold!
The Scottish Highland Games were a lot of fun to watch. Watching these little guys toss these huge poles around was a fascinating display of our command over physics. Especially doing all this in a kilt (tldr: miniskirt); I was mesmerized.
Lord Of The Dance
Ever since Michael Flatley took the majesty of Highland Dance to the masses, no Celtic Festival will ever be complete without Highland Dance performances and even a competition or two.
We were indeed treated with professional performances by amazingly talented dances, but my real joy came from watching the kids and young adults during the Highland Dance Competition. It’s really great to see kids so respectful of culture and tradition. The dance portion of this event was a real high-point for me.
Let Them Eat… Hagis?
Of course, I couldn’t pass up the chance to dine on some traditional Celtic cuisine. Who knew Bangers and Mash was as fun to eat as it is to say? And the Cottage Pie was to die for… literally… Darren almost fell in, it was so gooey and creamy.
There were amazing live bands playing in the dining area, offering a joyous and festive vibe to the meal. I really loved the traditional music of Highland Way and they way they fused the traditional and contemporary. The huge tables and open setting also added to the sense of community.
Can’t Wait Till Next Year
You owe it to yourself and your family to attend the Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games at your next opportunity. You won’t find a more compelling cultural event all year! So grab your kilt, oil your pipes, and come have some fun with us!
