The 22nd Annual Southwest Missouri Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games

Echoes of the Highlands, right here in the Ozarks. Kilts, pipes, and timeless tradition.

A Celebration of Celtic Culture and Community Roots

The 22nd Annual Southwest Missouri Celtic Festival & Highland Games, sponsored by the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce, will be Friday & Saturday, Sept 5-6, 2025, at the Dallas County Fair Grounds and Buffalo City Park, 401 E. Park Dr, Buffalo, MO 65622.

The Southwest Missouri Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games is an annual tradition in Buffalo, Missouri, honoring the vibrant legacy of the Celtic peoples who settled the Buffalo Head Prairie. These settlers came from regions known collectively as the Celtic nations—Brittany (Breizh), Cornwall (Kernow), Wales (Cymru), Scotland (Alba), Ireland (Éire), and the Isle of Man (Mannin or Ellan Vannin)—and played a significant role in the formation of Buffalo and the surrounding area.

Continuing the Legacy

Explore the Rich Culture and Heritage of Scotland and Ireland

 While our festival celebrates the rich traditions of all Celtic nations, it primarily highlights the culture and heritage of Scotland and Ireland. Visitors will experience:

Traditional Scottish Highland Games: Watch athletes compete in traditional feats of strength like the Bramer Stone Toss, Open Stone Toss, Weight for Distance, Weight Over Bar, Heavy & Light Hammer, Sheaf Toss, and Caber Toss.

Live Celtic Music & Dance: Enjoy performances from regional performers, including bagpipers, fiddlers, and dancers.

Heritage Exhibits & Clan Tents: Explore your ancestry and connect with local and national heritage organizations.

Food, Vendors & Family Fun: Savor authentic fare, shop handcrafted goods, and enjoy interactive activities for all ages.

Festival Weekend Schedule

Friday Night – Free Admission!

Kick off the Celtic celebration with a festive evening of music, heritage, and community. Admission is FREE on Friday night, with a preview of some of the incredible vendors and clans who will be featured throughout Saturday.

•  Activities begin at 5:00 PM. Enjoy live music, food, and cultural displays as the festival comes to life.
• 7:00 PM – Calling of the Clans Torch Ceremony A powerful and moving tradition, the Calling of the Clans honors ancestral ties and opens the weekend with unity and pride.

Saturday – Full Festival Experience

Gates open at 9:00 AM for a full day of Celtic heritage, entertainment, and family fun.

• ·       Highland Games begin at 9:00 AM and run throughout the day. Witness feats of strength, skill, and tradition in one of the festival’s most iconic events.
• ·       Live Music All Day 🎶 (Full schedule coming soon!)
• ·       Explore Clan Row, shop artisan vendors, enjoy delicious food, and discover interactive activities for all ages.

Admission at the gate Saturday -

$10 each for adults

$5 for senior citizens (age 60 or older) and children (ages 8-16)

Children 7 and under get in FREE.

Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children) $25

Reserve your tickets now and bring your family for a weekend of Celtic fun, food, and fierce competition—September 5 & 6, in Buffalo, MO!

Tickets are on sale now.

Looking to uplift local culture and community?

This festival thrives because of the people who believe in it—from generous sponsors to dedicated volunteers. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support local culture, uplift community, and be part of something lasting—we’d love to have you with us. Whether you're a local business ready to sponsor or a community member eager to volunteer, we’d love to have you on board. Join us in bringing the Celtic spirit to life—Contact us today! 

Thank you for taking this first step with us into the spirit of the Southwest Missouri Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games. This celebration isn’t just about music or tradition—it’s about community, connection, and honoring the stories that live on through every note, craft, and conversation.

In this series of posts, we’ll introduce you to the musicians who bring our heritage to life, the passionate vendors who craft with heart and history, and the flavors that nourish both body and spirit.  You’ll also get a glimpse of Clan Row, where families gather to share their lineage, welcome newcomers, and keep the flame of Celtic pride burning bright.

Come back soon. There’s so much more to discover; we can’t wait to welcome you back.

Slàinte,
The Festival Team