Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival & Highland Games
- Dates
- May 1 to 2, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Balloon Fiesta Park
- Price
- $20 to $25
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival & Highland Games returns to Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, NM, May 1 to 2, 2027. Froligo tracks current ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival and Highland Games is New Mexico's original Celtic festival, held each spring at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque and celebrating the seven Celtic nations. It pairs sanctioned Scottish heavy athletics, caber toss and hammer, with massed pipe bands, Highland and Irish dance, a Calling of the Clans, Celtic dogs and multiple music stages
What people love
Locals point to a surprisingly strong Celtic community in Albuquerque, with Highland games, caber tossing, Highland dancing, bagpipes, meat pies and a well-regarded kids area
Last time around (2026)
The 38th festival filled Balloon Fiesta Park over the first weekend of May 2026 with dancing, Celtic games and music, headlined by the piper Ally the Piper
The games
Heavy athletics
The festival runs a full slate of Scottish heavy athletics, including caber, hammer, sheaf, Braemar and open stone, weight for distance and weight over bar across professional, women's and masters divisions, plus a Gaelic hurling field
Pipe bands & Highland dance
Pipe and drum bands compete in a sanctioned pipe band competition, and a Highland dance competition runs on the dance stage
Clans & genealogy
Clans and societies gather, with a Calling of the Clans and a parade of clans during the weekend
Taking part
The weekend also features Mary Queen of Scots holding court, a Celtic Dogs parade, multiple music stages, Irish and Scottish dancing, and food, brewery and craft vendors
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
Nearest airport ABQ.
How do I get to Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival & Highland Games?
By car
Most people drive to Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival & Highland Games. The nearest major airport is ABQ, 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
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
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. Cost Free.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at ABQ
On site parking is available; if you are hiring a car it is worth checking the cost and how early it fills.
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Where
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival & Highland Games?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Airport hotels 3
2910 Yale Boulevard Southeast, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Link coming soon2601 Yale Boulevard Southeast, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Link coming soon2400 Yale Boulevard Southeast, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Link coming soonHotel 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.
Confirm your specific needs with the organiser's access team before you travel.
Pricing
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