The Cèilidh (kay-lee) was the center of social life of the old Highland community. The word translates from the Gaelic to mean “visitor” or “social gathering.” In some parts of the Hebrides, the traditional Cèilidh was still being held until the early 1900s. Men and lads, sometimes the ladies, would gather at a favored cottage, usually that of one of the more well-to-do residents or the local landlord. There might be someone with a fiddle or pipes who would give a tune or two, some singing and dancing, and the telling of stories and tall tales.

Modern events billed as cèilidhs are little more than concerts with a Scottish flavor, but we believe the old idea of sharing and group participation is best. Our cèilidhs blend the best of the old and the new with piping, singing, dancing, and more.

• Friday evening we have 2 Ceilidhs! 1st opportunity… Join in and learn Scottish Country Dancing in the indoor pub area following the Flaming Saltire. 2nd opportunity… live band Katie Jane Band in the over 21 outdoor Rampant Lion Pub!
• Saturday evening, again we have 2 Ceilidhs! 1st opportunity… Following Closing Ceremonies on Saturday Festival goers are invited to bring acoustic instruments and join our touring & local bands in a Traditional Celtic Music Gathering “Ceilidh” on the grass area in front of south stage. And if you don’t play an instrument please come and enjoy the collaboration of some of the finest musicians bringing traditional gatherings of the past to life!! We’ll be featuring two extraordinary fiddlers to enhance the experience… Katie Jane Lubiens from Oregon & Ana MacGregor from Washington State! Also, there will be a bodhran drum instructor on hand and a few bodhrans to use if you’d like to give that a try! Then stay, listen and help judge the winner of the “Caber” followed by Scottish Country Dancing, plus enjoy the company of kith and kin… 2nd opportunity… live band SLÁINTE perform in the over 21 outdoor Rampant Lion Pub!

So, leave your worries at the door, tap your toes to the music, laugh a lot, and, above all else, have a good time and make some new Scottish friends!