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TWO DAYS OF CELTIC & SCOTTISH MUSIC - FREE ON THE KELSO STAGE
From haunting bagpipes to stomping Celtic folk, the Kelso Highlander Festival stage delivers two full days of world-class entertainment FREE. Let the music take you somewhere across the Atlantic.
Pioneers of the Tribal Celtic movement since 1995, the Wicked Tinkers have been shaking Highland Games stages across North America with haunting, heart-pounding bagpipes, irresistible tribal drums, didgeridoo, and Bronze Age Irish horn. Certified loud. Utterly unforgettable. If you've never heard them live, prepare to have your expectations permanently recalibrated.
The Pacific Northwest's premier Celtic fusion group, Beltaine builds their irresistible sound around the bright, distinctive tones of the hammered dulcimer — woven with guitar, accordion, flute, and rich vocal harmonies. Based in Portland, OR and beloved across the regional Celtic community for decades. Their motto: "Drinks Well with Others."
With a hard-strumming, foot-stomping style, The Glensiders bring a lively brand of Celtic folk music from western Oregon. Highland ballads, rebel songs, and sea shanties come alive with energetic and raucous choruses, coupled with folk tunes and original compositions. Irish bouzouki, bodhrán drum, and soaring vocal harmonies — an air of the past brought roaring into the present.
THE GLENSIDERS
One of the Pacific Northwest's most respected pipe bands, the Tacoma Scots have been performing and competing at Highland Games across the region for decades. Their presence at Tam O'Shanter Park is one of the defining sounds of the Kelso Highlander Festival — when the pipes start, you know something special is happening.
Based in Vancouver, Washington, the Fort Vancouver Pipe Band has been bringing the sound of the Great Highland Bagpipes to Southwest Washington and the greater Portland area for years. Whether performing at Highland festivals, marching in parades, or playing for community events, the Fort Vancouver Pipe Band carries on the Scottish pipe band tradition with skill, passion, and pride.
KIRKIN' OF THE TARTAN - SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE
KIRKIN' OF THE TARTAN - SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE
Join us Sunday morning at 8:00 AM for the Kirkin' of the Tartan — a beloved Scottish worship tradition in which clan tartans are brought forward to be blessed. Rooted in the era when Highland dress was banned in Scotland, the Kirkin' is a deeply moving celebration of faith, heritage, and resilience. All are welcome regardless of faith background or clan affiliation.
Sunday, September 13, 2026 - 8:00 AM - Tam O'Shanter Park
INTERESTED IN PERFORMING AT THE 2026 KELSO HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL?
We welcome Celtic and Scottish artists and pipe bands. Reach out today!
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