Celebrating Our Golden Jubilee
50 Years of Celtic Culture Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland FestivalSeptember 11–13, 2026 • Estes Park, Colorado
For half a century, the Rocky Mountains have echoed with the sound of pipes, drums, and Celtic tradition.
In 2026, we invite you to join us for our 50th Anniversary—a landmark celebration of heritage, international performance, and the enduring spirit of the festival.
Experience a weekend filled with world-class music, Highland athletics, cultural traditions, and the unforgettable Estes Park International Tattoo. FUTURE DATESFuture Festival Dates• 2027 → September 10–12• 2028 → September 8–10
In 2026, we invite you to join us for our 50th Anniversary—a landmark celebration of heritage, international performance, and the enduring spirit of the festival.
Experience a weekend filled with world-class music, Highland athletics, cultural traditions, and the unforgettable Estes Park International Tattoo. FUTURE DATESFuture Festival Dates• 2027 → September 10–12• 2028 → September 8–10
IMPORTANT NOTICE: NO DOGS OR PETS ALLOWEDFor the safety and comfort of all attendees, pets are not permitted.
SCHEDULE
Gates & Daily ScheduleFestival Field opens at 9:00 AM daily.Friday – SundayMultiple stages feature continuous entertainment throughout the day. Performance times and appearances are subject to change.
The 2026 Estes Park International Tattoo will feature an outstanding lineup of performers, including:U.S. Navy Ceremonial GuardGwent and Powys ACF Military Pipes and Drum Band (Scotland)51 ACU Swan Regiment Drums and Pipes (Australia)Swing DollsNative American Dance CircleEstes Park International Tattoo Pipes and DrumsEstes Park International Tattoo Highland DancersFriday, September 11, 2026 at 7:00 PMSaturday, September 12, 2026 at 5:15 PM1209 Manford Ave. Why Is It Called a “Tattoo”? The term originates from 17th–18th century Dutch innkeepers calling out:“Doe den tap toe!”—meaning “Turn off the taps!”This signaled soldiers to return to their barracks as evening music was played.Today, the word Tattoo has evolved to describe grand ceremonial performances featuring massed military bands, precision drill teams, and cultural pageantry.
A Historic 50th Anniversary Year
The 40th Estes Park International Tattoo coincides with:The 50th Anniversary of the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland FestivalThe 250th Anniversary of the United StatesThe 150th Anniversary of the State of ColoradoThis year’s Tattoo brings these milestones together in one extraordinary production filled with music, ceremony, and tradition.Plan Ahead and SavePurchase your Estes Park International Tattoo tickets at a discounted rate when you buy a Festival Field Pass.Individual evening show tickets will also be available at standard pricing during the event.Secure your tickets early and be part of this historic celebration.
The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival and Estes Park International Tattoo proudly recognize the YMCA of the Rockies for providing exceptional lodging for festival entertainers and International Tattoo cast members—a valued partnership that helps support the success of the event.
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
Scottish Highland Athletes – This is Your Call!
Competition Dates: Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13, 2026Check-in: 7:30 AM | Start Time: 8:30 AM Please arrive on time.For more information, contact: c.tylerbaker@gmail.com
Clans
Clan representatives may pick up ticket packages on Thursday, September 10, 2026.Packages include gate passes and designated parking.Please note: Clan packets will not be mailed this year.
For more information, contact:Misty Montgomery--clansepscotfest@scotfest.com
Solo Piping & Pipe BandsRegister through R2 Sports or via the Piping Competition page.For more information, contact:Jamie Cuthill – jrcuthill@yahoo.coma
For over 50 years, the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival has been a cherished family tradition founded by Dr. James Durward.Peggy Sue Young, current President, worked alongside her father for many years before assuming leadership of the Festival in 2020. Since then, she has continued to carry forward his vision with the support of a dedicated and passionate team who generously give their time each year. Together, they ensure the spirit and traditions of the Festival continue to thrive for generations to come while honoring the legacy on which it was built.The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival has become a cornerstone of September in Estes Park, celebrating the rich traditions of Scottish and Irish culture through music, dance, pipe bands, Highland athletics, and clan heritage.In the early 1970s, Estes Park—like many mountain communities—saw its tourism season come to a close after Labor Day. Dr. Durward envisioned an event that would extend the season and bring people together during one of the most beautiful times of year in the Rockies. From that vision, the Festival was established.Over the decades, it has grown into the most attended event in Estes Park, drawing participants and visitors from across the country and around the world.In 2026, we proudly celebrate our 50th Anniversary.This milestone year represents not only a celebration of the past, but a commitment to the future. Your support helps sustain the traditions, performances, and cultural experiences that define the Festival.Contributions directly support:Cultural programming and performancesYouth and educational opportunitiesFestival operations and preservation effortsThe continued growth of this historic eventYour generosity ensures that the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival will continue to thrive for generations to come.Support the 50th Anniversary CelebrationSeptember 11–13, 2026 | Estes Park, Colorado
Thank you for being part of this historic milestone.
Celebrating Over 50 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 Celtic culture at the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park, Colorado. Recognized as one of the premier festivals of its kind in the United States, the event showcases Scottish Highland athletics, leading Celtic rock and folk musicians, and continuous live performances across the festival grounds.
No Refunds * No Dogs
PROUD MEMBERS
FOR 30 YEARS
Proud Partners and Official Accommodation Providers of the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival
STAY WHERE THE BANDS STAY
