The 22nd Annual Southwest Missouri Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games - Part 2 in a Series

From Bagpipes to Celtic Fusion ~ Tradition Meets Innovation at the SWMO Celtic Heritage Festival

Each year, we bring the vibrant heritage of the Celtic Nations to life through immersive experiences that connect attendees with traditions they might not encounter every day. Festivalgoers can enjoy the stirring sounds of live bagpipe music, captivating tales from Celtic folklore and Scottish history, spirited dancing, and live traditional Celtic music, including Scottish and Irish folk songs, dance reels, bluegrass, original artist songs, and even the occasional traditional pub tune.

This year's entertainment lineup features a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic sounds, including: Authentic dance styles and group ceilidh dances. Live storytelling sessions that span folklore, myths, and historical narratives from the Celtic nations. Musical performances featuring bagpipes, fiddles, bodhráns, and Gaelic vocals.

Bagpipes Anyone?

Bagpipes have played a significant part in Celtic Culture for centuries, and while they are mostly synonymous with Scotland, they can be found all over the world.

Bagpipes have echoed through the hills of Scotland for centuries, from clan gatherings to battlefields, royal ceremonies to village ceilidhs. The unmistakable sound of the bagpipes carries with it the history of the Scottish people and stirs powerful emotions.

Our Ceremony Piper, Wayne Davis, Clan Davidson, is one of the best! Wayne has been our piper for many years. His performances never fail to stir the heart and bring a hush over the crowd. Whether it's "Amazing Grace" or "Scotland the Great," each note is a tribute to heritage, honor, and the spirit of the Highlands—seamlessly weaving past and present together in every ceremony.

Showcasing the Talent in Southwest Missouri

We are excited to bring in a few new groups from the Springfield area that are sure to cause a stir.

The Southwest Missouri Pipes & Drums will make their first appearance at our festival. Newly incorporated in April 2025, the Southwest Missouri Pipes & Drums is a group of pipers and drummers from Southwest Missouri. Playing traditional music of the highland bagpipes and drums.

They currently have 7 members ~ 4 pipers and 3 drummers,  along with a handful of student pipers and drummers.  They meet regularly in Springfield on Tuesday nights for practice.  The Southwest Missouri Pipes & Drums debuted last St. Patrick's Day Weekend with a Pub Crawl in Downtown Springfield. 

Also making their first appearance at our festival are the Parkview High School Lassies Drum & Bugle Corps.

The Parkview Lassies are an all-female drum and bugle corps located in Springfield, Missouri. This high-stepping Parkview High tradition was established in 1956 when women were not able to participate in many extracurricular activities. Since then, the sisterhood continues to grow as each group forms bonds that remain strong even years later. The Lassies will take part in the noon parade and Calling of the Clans Ceremony on Saturday.

We are excited to welcome back the Central High School Kilties Drum & Bugle Corps. 

Founded in 1926, the Central High School Kiltie Drum & Bugle Corps is the first and oldest all-girl drum and bugle corps in the United States. The Kilties have been a part of our festival for many years and will take part in the noon parade on Saturday.

Acts on the Main Stage

We are excited to have a few new groups performing on the main stage this year.

Funta Ficta!

Funta Ficta! In ye Olde English, the words mean “fountain of imaginary musical notes.” Funta Ficta is a group of vintage musicians striking stringed instruments and performing a combination of Celtic, Renaissance, Medieval, and other genres, we hope will be pleasing to ye merry folk of the games. They play a mix of instruments sure to delight the most persnickety of pointed ears and set the feet to tapping and even dancing in those olde, worn slippers. Come and be bound by the spell they cast as the bards of yesteryear made the magic of music even then.

At the Gazebo

We are excited to be able to bring back entertainment to the Gazebo this year!

The Gazebo is on the east side of the park, next to Clan Row, and offers a more intimate setting. Which is perfect for our storyteller!

Wendy Blanton, Fictionista

Wendy Blanton has been writing and telling stories since she learned to string words into sentences. She apprenticed under Jeff Campbell and specializes in Scottish and Irish folk tales. Additionally, Wendy writes epic fantasy and has been published on her own and in several short story anthologies. She lives in Imperial, MO, with her husband, Eric, two elderly cats, and a couple of elusive fairies.

Saturday's Entertainment Schedule

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! 

The Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, has provided financial assistance for this project.

Thank you for following along with us for part 2 in our journey 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 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

If you missed part one in this series, you can find it here: 

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