- The Yosemite Celtic Festival returns to Oakhurst on 17 and 18 October 2026
- Young Dubliners headline the music programme
- The festival features Highland Games, Vikings and animal encounters
- Admission is $25 for adults for a single day or $45 for a weekend pass
- Children 4 and under are free
The Yosemite Celtic Festival is returning to the Oakhurst Community Center on Saturday and Sunday, 17 to 18 October 2026, bringing two full days of Celtic music, Highland athletics, living history, family activities, food, drink and cultural experiences to Yosemite’s southern gateway. The festival is open Saturday from 10.00am to 6.00pm with an Opening Ceremony at approximately 10.30am on the Sequoia Stage, and Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Music is a major focus of this year’s festival with performances by Young Dubliners, Golden Bough, Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen, Celtic Alchemy, Gail and Captain Dan, the Mariposa Uke Ensemble and violinist Ariel Barker. The event also features Highland dancing, piping, theatrical entertainment, Golden Chain Theatre, Yosemite Dance Company and Splendid Absurdity. Throughout the weekend, guests can watch traditional Highland Games including the Caber Toss, Braemar Stone, Open Stone, Weight for Distance, Hammer, Sheaf Toss and Weight over Bar.
Living history is a centerpiece of the weekend with the Dark Boar Vikings returning with their encampment, demonstrations and raids. Animal encounters include Irish Wolfhounds, Birds of Prey presented by The 3 Falconeers and a live Highland cow. Families find a full slate of children’s activities in the Fairy Village and Kids Zone. Admission is $25 for adults for a single day or $45 for a weekend pass. Youths aged 5 to 12 are $15 for a single day or $25 for a weekend pass, and children 4 and under are free.
Kimberly Vaughan shared “We want people to experience the festival, not simply watch it. You can listen to incredible Celtic music, watch the Highland athletes compete, meet Vikings, pet a Highland cow, explore your ancestry, have tea with a king, taste whisky, shop the marketplace, and end Saturday night dancing at a Cèilidh. There truly is something here for everyone.”
