Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival

September 27–29, 2024 • Bethlehem, Pennsylvania


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Join in a celebration of Celtic culture and heritage at Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival in downtown Bethlehem. Enjoy  of continuous entertainment featuring international, national, and regional Celtic artists, pipe bands, Irish dancers, a diverse marketplace of authentic Celtic merchandise and collectibles, and more.

And don't miss the U.S. National Highland Games Championship, showcasing amazing feats of strength and endurance.


bagpipers at Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, Pa.The Basics

Experience five stages of continuous entertainment featuring international, national and regional artists.

  • The Celtic Classic Invitational Pipe Band Competition
  • US National Highland Athletic Championships
  • The “Showing of the Tartan” Parade (parade route) Kicks off at 11:30am on Saturday
  • Haggis Competition
  • The 24th Annual Celtic Classic Fiddle Competition
  • A diverse marketplace of Celtic merchandise and collectibles
  • Cultural Children’s Activity Area

Map of Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival

Celtic Classic Map 2023

A Highland Games athlete throwing the hammer at Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival in Bethlehem, Pa.

U.S. National Highland Games Championship

Watch the top professional Highland athletes from across the U.S. compete at Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, Pa. Only the top 10 point earners in the country qualify to compete at the Celtic Classic for the U.S. Champion title. 

These competitors will perform feats of strength, speed, agility and skill, once commonplace during fairs, clan gatherings, festivals, and hunts in medieval Scotland. The games include lifting of heavy stone, throwing the hammer, and tossing of the caber.

Learn more.

Showing of the Tartan Parade

One of the highlights the festival is the Tartan Parade. Get there early to reserve a good spot. 

Saturday – September 23rd 
Steps off at 11:30am from City Hall – See full route below
Ends on Highland Field followed by Opening Ceremonies

Featuring:

  • Clans & Societies

  • Competing Grade 4 Pipe Bands

  • Liberty High School Grenadier Band

  • Freedom High School Patriot Band

  • Bangor High School Slater Band

Celtic Classic Parade Route


Admission & Hours

Admission to the Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival is free. Festival hours are as follows:

  • Friday: 4:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

See how Lehigh Valley does festivals.