Celebrate Celtic Culture at the Long Island Celtic Festival & Highland Games on August 23
EAST NORTHPORT, NY – The sounds of bagpipes and the thunder of traditional Highland athletics will echo across the lawns of Old Westbury Gardens on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as the Long Island Celtic Festival & Highland Games returns for its second year. This all-day celebration of Irish, Scottish, and broader Celtic heritage promises a full lineup of music, dance, athletic competitions, and artisan vendors in one of Long Island’s most picturesque outdoor venues.
Hosted on the historic estate grounds at 71 Old Westbury Road, the festival transforms the manicured gardens and sprawling green spaces into a Celtic village, complete with pipe and drum performances, folk musicians, and food truck fare that spans both the traditional and modern. The event is expected to draw thousands of attendees from across Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as New York City and beyond.
At the heart of the festival are the Highland Games, a series of athletic contests rooted in ancient Scottish tradition. Visitors can witness competitors take on the caber toss, stone put, and sheaf toss – a spectacle of raw strength and skill rarely seen outside of international competitions.
The festival’s main stage will host a rotating schedule of live performances from Celtic bands and solo artists, including Charlie Zahm, Harpers Ferry, and The Highland Rovers. Meanwhile, groups such as Shot of Scotch NYC will deliver precise and passionate displays of traditional dance. Throughout the day, more than a half-dozen pipe and drum bands will roam the grounds, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.
Dozens of vendors will offer handmade Celtic crafts, apparel, jewelry, and cultural gifts. A genealogy booth and cultural exhibits will be on-site to help attendees explore their roots or learn more about the Celtic nations. Food trucks and beverage tents will serve up everything from shepherd’s pie and bangers & mash to modern festival favorites, with plenty of Guinness on tap to go around.
Families are encouraged to attend, with kid-friendly entertainment, storytelling, and outdoor games included in the schedule. Visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to relax and take in the performances at their own pace.
Event Details:
- 📍 Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568
- 📅 Saturday, August 23, 2025
- ⏰ 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 🎟️ Advance ticket purchase required; prices vary
- 🧾 Rain or shine; no pets allowed except service animals
Proceeds from the event benefit local veterans and community charities supported by the Knights of Columbus.
This year’s event continues the growing tradition of honoring Celtic culture on Long Island, blending family fun, history, and heritage in a setting as grand as it is welcoming. Whether you come for the games, the music, the ancestry – or just the food and fun, this is one cultural celebration not to miss.
Long Island Celtic Festival & Highland Games — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and where is the event being held?
A: The 2025 Long Island Celtic Festival takes place on Saturday, August 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Old Westbury Gardens, located at 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568.
Q: Is this an annual event?
A: Yes, this is the second annual Celtic Festival & Highland Games at Old Westbury Gardens, expanding on its debut success in 2024.
Q: Do I need tickets in advance?
A: Yes. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Old Westbury Gardens typically does not offer on-site ticket sales for special events. Prices range depending on age and membership status, and children under a certain age may be free.
Q: What kinds of performances and entertainment will there be?
A: The festival will feature:
- Live Celtic music (e.g. Charlie Zahm, Harpers Ferry, The Highland Rovers)
- Bagpipe bands and Highland drummers
- Traditional Irish and Scottish dancing by groups like Shot of Scotch NYC
- Cultural presentations and heritage exhibits
- Children’s entertainment including storytelling and games
Q: What are the Highland Games?
A: The Highland Games are Scottish-style athletic contests featuring events such as:
- Caber Toss (throwing a large wooden pole)
- Stone Put (similar to shot put)
- Sheaf Toss (tossing a bale of hay over a high bar)
These contests showcase raw strength and agility and are a festival highlight.
Q: Is this a family-friendly event?
A: Absolutely. The festival includes kid-friendly entertainment, open grassy areas for families to relax, and cultural activities designed for all ages.
Q: Will food and drinks be available?
A: Yes, the event includes a dedicated food truck court, with traditional Celtic dishes like shepherd’s pie and bangers & mash, as well as standard festival fare. Beverages, including beer and wine, will also be available for purchase.
Q: Can I bring my dog, cooler, or picnic basket?
A: No pets are allowed, with the exception of ADA-compliant service animals. Outside food, drinks, coolers, or large bags may be prohibited – check Old Westbury Gardens’ website for current visitor policies during special events.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The festival is a rain or shine event. No refunds are issued for inclement weather, so guests are advised to dress accordingly and bring umbrellas or ponchos if needed.
Q: Where do I park?
A: On-site parking is available at Old Westbury Gardens, but it may fill quickly. Carpooling is encouraged. Be prepared for short walks from overflow lots.
Q: Who hosts this event and what does it support?
A: The event is hosted and organized by Old Westbury Gardens, a nonprofit cultural and historic estate. Proceeds support ongoing preservation, educational programming, and community events at the Gardens.
