Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival
- Dates
- Sep 26, 2026
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Historic Downtown Dandridge (Main Street)
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Sep 1, 2026
Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival returns to Dandridge, TN, Sep 26, 2026. Froligo tracks free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival celebrates the Scots-Irish pioneers who settled East Tennessee, filling historic downtown Dandridge, the state's second-oldest town, on the shore of Douglas Lake. Now in its 17th year and free to the public, the day mixes regional pipe and drum bands, Highland and Irish step dancing, Celtic and Irish folk bands, an Ale Garden, a lakeside ceilidh, historical broadsword and Irish stick exhibitions, and Highland athletic demonstrations of the caber toss, hammer throw and sheaf toss
Last time around
The 2025 festival was held in historic downtown Dandridge, with organizers sharing photographs from the event and inviting visitors back for 2026
The games
Heavy athletics
Traditional Highland athletic events, including the caber toss, weight over the bar, hammer throw and sheaf toss, are presented as demonstrations rather than a full competition
Pipe bands & Highland dance
Three regional pipe and drum bands open the day in a Pipe & Drum Band Challenge Playoff, with the Knoxville Pipes and Drums serving as host band; Highland dancers and Irish step dancers also perform
Clans & genealogy
A Clans & Heritage program honors the Scots-Irish pioneers who settled East Tennessee in the late 1700s
Taking part
The day adds Celtic and Irish folk bands, an Ale Garden, a Ceilidh by the Loch on Saturday evening, historical broadsword and Irish stick fighting exhibitions, and a Highland cattle, sheep and sheepdog exhibit
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
How do I get to Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival?
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Use the airport transfers or shuttle options above.
By bus
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Use the airport transfers or shuttle options above.
🅿 Parking
On site parking available. Cost Free. Several public parking lots are within walking distance of downtown, plus free shuttle buses from two lots
🚙 Car hire
Where
Exact location not mapped yet.
Venue
Historic Downtown Dandridge (Main Street)
Pricing
Got fresher info? Tell us, a real person checks every tip, and we love fresh info.