Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival
- Dates
- Oct 17, 2026
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Sangamon County Fairgrounds
- Price
- $15 to $20
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 15, 2026
Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival returns to Sangamon County Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL, Oct 17, 2026. Froligo tracks current ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival is central Illinois' home for the Highland Games, hosted each October by the St. Andrew's Society of Central Illinois at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds near Springfield. The day brings Ancient Athletics, Highland dance and bagpipes together with a Clan Row, heritage and Gaelic lessons, a British Car Show, a Celtic Kitchen and a whisky tasting
Last time around (2025)
The 2025 Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival ran Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin, offering the society's Ancient Athletics, Scottish music and dance, and Celtic culture
The games
Heavy athletics
Ancient Athletics are a core part of the games, run by the society's own athletics unit, with athlete registration handled online
Pipe bands & Highland dance
The event features Highland dance, bagpipes and the society's Pipes and Drums unit
Clans & genealogy
A Clan Row hosts clan tents, alongside heritage, history, genealogy and Gaelic lessons
Taking part
The day also includes a British Car Show, a Celtic Kitchen of Scottish food and drink, a whisky tasting, live entertainment and shopping
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
Nearest airport SPI.
How do I get to Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival?
By car
Most people drive to Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival. The nearest major airport is SPI, 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
Uber operates 24/7 at SPI with pickup at the terminal drive, alongside several local taxi companies. Courtesy phones in the terminal also connect passengers directly to hotel shuttle services
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.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at SPI
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
Search car hire →Car hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the centre of Springfield. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 1
About 4 miles from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport and roughly a mile from downtown Springfield attractions, a short drive to the fairgrounds
Check rates →Mid-range hotels 2
Downtown Springfield at 701 E. Adams St., a short drive to the fairgrounds
Check rates →Downtown Springfield at 529 S. 4th St., near the Illinois State Capitol
Check rates →Airbnb & private camping
Springfield has a moderate vacation-rental market, generally without the surge pricing seen in resort or major-metro markets
Search Airbnb →This is a one-day fairgrounds festival in a mid-size city with no realistic nearby Hipcamp camping option; a hotel is the practical choice
Search Hipcamp →Browse all hotels near Sangamon County Fairgrounds →
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 official URL in the dataset, https://centralillinoiscelts.com/springfield-area-highland-games.html, returns HTTP 404 as of 3 Sep 2026 and needs replacing; the live page is https://centralillinoiscelts.com/springfield-area-highland-games-home.html. Checked that live page plus the site root, tickets, clan row, vendors and volunteer pages. The organiser publishes no accessibility page and nothing on terrain, accessible parking, accessible toilets, companion tickets, ASL or a quiet space. The site offers only a general contact form for questions
Confirm your specific needs with the organiser's access team before you travel.
Pricing
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