The term "tattoo" derives from the cries of the 17th and 18th century Dutch innkeepers, who, as the fifes and drums of the local regiment signalled a return to quarters would cry,
"Doe den tap toe!" - "Turn off the taps!"
The sound of the "taps" caused the innkeeper's customers to depart and return to their barracks. The word "tattoo" evolved over time, and now refers to the large scale ceremonial performances of military music by massed bands that we know today. Under the direction of an international team drawn from the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Europe, the 2024 Estes Park International Tattoo brings to Colorado an international array of talent from Canada, New Zealand, the United States of America - & more!
Join us together with over 200 performers from across the globe in a celebration of marching bands, highland dancing and massed bagpipes - a spectacular evening of music & pageantry not to be missed
PICTURE BELOW IS THE 2024 ESTES PARK INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CAST
The YMCA of the Rockies has been an invaluable partner, providing excellent accommodations for the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival entertainers and the Estes Park International Tattoo cast.
Thank You to Quality Inn
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Quality Inn for their continued support in housing the judges of the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival. Your hospitality has been invaluable to the success of our event, and we are truly grateful for your commitment over the years.
As a family-run hotel with deep roots in Estes Park, the Quality Inn has been an integral part of our festival's tradition. Your dedication to excellence and warm service make you an outstanding partner. Thank you for your longstanding support!
RETURNING TO THE LONGS PEAK SCOTTISH IRISH HIGHALND FESTIVAL FOR 2025
THE HIGHLAND CATTLE
FROM AMERICAN HIGHLANDS RANCH
COME OUT AND SEE THE HIGHLAND CATTLE
THAT WILL ON DISPLAY ON THE FESTIVAL FIELD
FRIDAY - SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2025
LONGS PEAK SCOTTISH IRISH HIGHLAND FESTIVAL
THANK YOU
Tiny Town Cabins for being a proud partner another year to host the Grand Prize Winner of the drawing at the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival.
Click the video below to see highlights
Estes Park International Tattoo
2024 Cast for the Estes Park International Tattoo
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipe Band & Dancers, US Army West Point Hellcats, Black Watch Cadet Pipe Band, Swing Dolls, Estes Park International Tattoo Pipes on Parade and Highland Dance Team, Fountain City Brass Band
2023 Cast for the Estes Park International Tattoo
US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, US 1st Marine Division Band,Texas Camel Corps, US Air Force Academy Stellar Brass Band Quimtet, US Air Force Academy Cadet Honor Guard, Estes Park International Tattoo Pipes on Parade and Highland Dance Team
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE OPEN FEBRUARY 19, 2025
ATTENTION ALL SCOTTISH HIGHLAND ATHLETE COMPETITORS
Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, 2025 Check-in at 7:30 a.m. start at 8:30 a.m PLEASE BE ON TIME!!
CLANS
The festival will have all clan ticket packages will ready for pick up on Thursday, September 4. The tickets that are included in the tent fee. ie: Gate Passes and Special Parking Pass. THE FESTIVAL WILL NOT MAIL ANY CLAN PACKETS OUT THIS YEAR.
All Solo Piping and Pipe Band Registerations will be open soon
Please go to the Piping Competition page to Register when they are available.
The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival has been a highlight of September in Estes Park for 49 years; with Celtic Music, Ethnic Dancing, Bag Pipe Bands, Scottish Highland Athletics, representatives of many Clans.
In the early 1970's Estes Park was like most mountain towns relying on summer tourism with ended with Labor Day weekend. 47 years ago the festival's founder, a resident of Estes Park, had a vision to extend the fall season to the valley. He started this festival recognizing that September was a beautiful time for people to come to the mountains and with the perfect temperature, all that was needed was an event. And the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival came into being. Over the years this Festival has become the most attended event in Estes Park. Your support will allow us to continue to provide the culture experience in 2025 and forward into the future.
Please click on the Button to support the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival for its 49th year September 5-7, 2025
Celebrating Over 48 Years in Estes Park Colorado, the Celtic Capital of North America
Come out for the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival and learn about your heritage.
Call 970-586-6308
About Us
Immerse yourself in the Celtic culture at the Highland Festival in Estes Park, Colorado. Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, Inc. hosts the largest such festival in the country. The event includes Scottish athletics, the best in Celtic rock and folk music, and live field performances.
Contact
Thank you for your interest. Please reach out with questions or comments using the information below. We look forward to hearing from you.
