50 Years of Celtic Culture & Community Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival September 11–13, 2026 • Estes Park, Colorado
For half a century, the majestic Rockies have echoed with pipes, drums, and Celtic spirit.
In 2026, we invite you to join us for the Golden Jubilee — an extraordinary celebration of heritage, international performance, and Colorado mountain magic.
Festival Address 1209 Manford Ave, Estes Park, CO
Future Festival Dates • 2027 → September 10–12 • 2028 → September 8–10
Gates & Daily Schedule Festival Field Opens at 9:00 AM FRIDAY – SUNDAY Multiple stages with continuous entertainment. Performance times and appearances are subject to change.
Be Part of the Legacy
Elevate Your Brand at America’s Premier Celtic Festival!
From massed bands to world-class cultural performances — your brand can stand front-and-center at an iconic experience attended by a loyal national audience.
VIP Hospitality • National Exposure • Heritage Alignment
Estes Park International Tattoo The Spectacle of Military & Celtic Pageantry Friday & Saturday September 11 & 12, 2026 1209 Manford Ave.
So why is it called a Tattoo?
The term comes from 17th–18th century Dutch innkeepers calling “Doe den tap toe!” meaning… “Turn off the taps!” — signaling soldiers to return to barracks as the music played.
Today, the word Tattoo has evolved to define grand ceremonial music displays by massed military bands.
In 2026, under the leadership of an international team from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Europe, the Tattoo brings together:
Over 200 performers — military bands, Highland dancers, massed pipes & drums — all in one unforgettable night of pageantry.
PICTURE BELOW IS THE 2024 ESTES PARK INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CAST
We proudly recognize the YMCA of the Rockies for providing world-class housing for festival entertainers and Tattoo cast members — a partnership that strengthens the heart of our event.
RETURNING TO THE LONGS PEAK SCOTTISH IRISH HIGHLAND FESTIVAL – 2026 THE HIGHLAND CATTLE
Come out and see the majestic Highland Cattle on display at the festival! They will be featured on the festival field from Friday through Sunday, September 11–13, 2026.
Don’t miss this crowd favorite at the 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 OPEN FEBRUARY 19, 2025!
Scottish Highland Athletes – This is Your Call!
Competition Dates: Sat, Sept 6 & Sun, Sept 7, 2025 Check-in: 7:30 a.m. | Start: 8:30 a.m. ? Be on time! Clans: Pick up your ticket packages Thurs, Sept 4 – includes Gate Passes & Special Parking. Note: No clan packets will be mailed this year.
Solo Piping & Pipe Bands: Register now at R2 Sports or via our Piping Competition page.
Due to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances, the Downtown Estes Park Parade has been canceled. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
But the celebration isn’t over! Join us at the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival field to enjoy all the bands, performers, and festivities throughout the weekend. There’s still plenty of music, pageantry, and fun waiting for you!
The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival has been a September highlight in Estes Park for 50 years, featuring Celtic music, ethnic dancing, bagpipe bands, Scottish Highland athletics, and representatives from numerous Clans.
In the early 1970s, Estes Park, like many mountain towns, relied on summer tourism that ended with Labor Day weekend. The festival’s founder Dr. James Durward, a local resident, had a vision to extend the fall season in the valley. Recognizing that September offered perfect mountain weather, he created an event that would bring people together—and thus, the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival was born.
Over the decades, it has grown into the most attended event in Estes Park.
This year, we celebrate a Golden Jubilee—our 50th Anniversary!
Your support ensures we can continue to share and celebrate Scottish and Irish culture for generations to come.
Please click the button below to support the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival’s 50th Anniversary, September 11–13, 2025.
Thank you for being part of this historic celebration!
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.
No Refunds * No Dogs
PROUD MEMBERS FOR 25 YEARS
Proud Partners and Official Partners & Accommodation Providers of the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival, Inc.
Celebrating Our Golden Jubilee
