Radford Highlanders Festival
- Dates
- Expected October 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- Radford University
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
Radford Highlanders Festival's 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. The last festival was 10 October 2026 in Radford, VA. Froligo tracks free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Radford Highlanders Festival is a day-long celebration of Southwest Virginia's Scots-Irish heritage on the Radford University campus, set against the Blue Ridge Mountains in fall. Held October 10, 2026 with free admission, it features the famed Highland games and heavyweight Scottish athletics, pipe bands, Highland dancing, clan gatherings, sheepherding and live music, and now draws an estimated crowd of 10,000
Last time around (2025)
The 2025 festival was held October 11 on the Radford University campus, headlined by the Tartan Terrors and Ally the Piper, a day of athletic spectacle, live music and community bonding
The games
Heavy athletics
The festival features the famed Highland games, with Scottish athletes competing in heavyweight events
Pipe bands & Highland dance
Pipe bands and Highland dancing are part of the day, alongside Celtic and Appalachian music
Clans & genealogy
Area clans and societies gather so visitors can register, showcase their family heritage and use genealogical resources
Taking part
The day also brings sheepherding and duck working demonstrations, live entertainment, food and vendors, and festivities for all ages
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
Nearest airport ROA.
How do I get to Radford Highlanders Festival?
By car
Most people drive to Radford Highlanders Festival. The nearest major airport is ROA, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
Radford Transit is a fare free local bus system covering the Radford community, including routes to and from the Radford University campus. It does not reach ROA airport itself and is not a way to get from the airport into town, but it is a genuine, official, fare free way to get to campus once in Radford
Book / info →Taxi & rideshare
Standard airport pickup at ROA, a small single terminal regional airport, about 40 miles from Radford
Book / info →Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
On site parking available. Free parking is available directly on the Radford University campus, on the same lots students and visitors use day to day. Per the festival's own campus parking guidance, Lots F and H are reserved as designated festival participant parking, Lot EE is reserved handicapped parking, and Lot DD is closed for festival activities. Check the Radford University campus parking map for the current lot layout before arriving
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at ROA
On site parking is available; if you are hiring a car it is worth checking the cost and how early it fills.
Search car hire →Car hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Venue
Radford University
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Radford Highlanders Festival?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 2
Mid-range hotels 1
Luxe hotels 1
604 Tyler Ave, directly across the street from Radford University, walking distance to the festival
Check rates →Airport hotels 3
6616 Thirlane Road Northwest, Roanoke, VA 24019
Link coming soon6621 Thirlane Road Northwest, Roanoke, VA 24019
Link coming soon6626 Thirlane Road Northwest, Roanoke, VA 24019
Link coming soonAirbnb & private camping
Radford is a small college town; expect modest Airbnb inventory that can tighten around Radford University event weekends
Search Airbnb →Not a natural fit for a one-day campus festival with no camping component, but a Hipcamp search covers the New River Valley for anyone who would rather camp and drive in
Search Hipcamp →Browse all hotels near Radford University →
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
What the organiser or venue publishes about getting around, and what they do not.
The Radford Highlanders Festival publishes no accessibility page. Its only access detail sits in the parking information on the festival page, which directs visitors to the Radford University parking map and states that Lot EE is reserved for Handicapped Parking, that Lot DD is closed for festival activities, and that Lots F and H are reserved for festival participants.
The organiser publishes nothing on ground surface or terrain, distance from Lot EE to the festival, accessible toilets, accessible viewing, companion or carer tickets, ASL or a quiet or sensory space
Confirm your specific needs with the organiser's access team before you travel.
Checked 2026-09-03 · source
Pricing
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