The New Pikes Peak Celtic Fest Growing Strong

By Erin

The Pikes Peak Celtic Festival blossomed from an old tradition in Colorado Springs.  1999 marked the last year of the Pikes Peak Highland Games.  In 2013, the festival was brought back with new vigor under the new name-Pikes Peak Celtic Festival and has taken off.

The 2016 Pikes Peak Celtic Festival is an event for all ages. At Memorial Park, you will hear the sound of Bagpipes and Celtic Rock, smell and taste the authentic Celtic cuisine, see Irish and Highland dancers perform, and watch Scottish athletes compete!

At various tents, enjoy world renowned Celtic Rock band Albannach along with performances by Young Dubliners, Paul McKenna Band, Big Paddy, The McDeviants, Delilah’s Revenge, The Rare Ould Times, and world champion Irish dancers from Celtic Steps. In the Pipe Band Village, be moved by the massed bagpipe bands of the Western United States Pipe Band Association as they compete and march in unison. Walk down Clan Row and learn more about Celtic heritage or participate in a whiskey tasting. Visit the shopping tent for authentic Celtic merchandise, taste the best Scottish and Irish cuisine from various food vendors, or get a Celtic cooking demonstration from Chef and Author Eric McBride/The Celtic Caterer. In the Living History area, see members of the RenScots as they bring the history of Scotland to life or watch Scottish men have their strength tested in Highland Athletic competitions!

Did you think that was all? Of course not! On Saturday night of the festival, join hundreds of kilted runners for the Braveheart 5k. Run to the sound of outlawed tunes and end the celebration with the Clan Torch lighting ceremony. Don’t miss the Celtic Fireworks spectacle right afterward! The 2016 Pikes Peak Celtic Festival will be the main attraction of the year and is sure to please all ages.

The Pikes Peak Celtic Festival is June 17-19th in Memorial Park. Hours are: Friday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. There will also be a Ceilidh at Jack Quinn’s starting at 6:00 pm Saturday, June 18th and running late into the night.

Save by buying online at www.PikesPeakCelticFestival.com with single day tickets at $15 for adults and $5 kids 5-17 or purchase discounted weekend passes.

Memorial Park is located east of downtown at 250 S Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80910. (At the corner of Memorial Drive and S Union Blvd.).