One of North America’s largest free Celtic festivals returns to Historic Downtown Bethlehem Sept. 25–27 as the 39th Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival brings the U.S. National Highland Games Championship, five stages of Celtic music, the Showing of the Tartan Parade, heritage programming, children’s activities, food vendors and more than 50 Celtic merchants to the city.

There are many great performers this year representing Scotland & Ireland and the other Celtic nations. These bands range from traditional to Celtic rock and fusion. They will keep toes tapping and inspire a jig or two. Crowd favorites On the Lash join Screaming Orphans newcomers, Cúlra, The Ogham Stones and Pilgrims of Deep Run. Seamus Kennedy returns with his Celtic comedy and pub style songs along with other traditional performers like Gerry Timlin and the Dave North Trio. Of course, the weekend would not be complete without the energy and amazing dancing of the O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance.

The U.S. National Highland Games Championship will see the top pro highland athletes in the country competing for the title of National Champion. These ancient fetes of strength are not to be missed!

The event kicks off Friday with Haggis Bowl 2026 taking place on Highland Field at 5:30 to see who can eat a pound of haggis the fastest.

The Showing of the Tartan Parade is always a major highlight. The parade steps off from City Hall at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Competing pipe bands will participate along with the U.S. Naval Academy Pipe Band, Scottish clans, Freedom and Liberty HS marching bands. The Grade 4 pipe band competition will take place on Saturday beginning at 1:30 p.m. Grade 3 will compete on Sunday at noon.

Celtic Heritage Hollow located in the Colonial Industrial Quarter has loads of activities for children, Many Scottish clans will be present to share historical and genealogical information, and the Heritage Stage will have interesting lectures such as: Steel Hero – Capt. Bill Jones talk by Martha Capwell Fox | Historian

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Celtic Lore History & Heritage by International Storyteller Kristin Pedemonti, Seamus Kennedy’s children’s performance, musical workshops and don’t miss Freedom High School’s Celtic Ensemble.

There will be food galore ranging from haggis, bridies, bangers & mash to poutine and crab cakes! Save time to peruse the 50 Celtic merchants with goods from all seven Celtic nations like apparel, jewelry, décor and more.

The 39th Annual Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival runs from Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in Historic Downtown Bethlehem. For up-to-the-minute information and updates, follow Celtic Classic on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@CelticClassic).

For more information on the Celtic Classic, directions, volunteering opportunities, the weekend’s schedule, and other Celtic Cultural Alliance events, visit the organization’s website at celticfest.org.

Contributed article