Appalachian Highlands Celts

Appalachian Highlands Celts The purpose of AHC is to provide education about the culture and heritage of the Celtic people. We look forward to seeing you throughout the year!

The purpose of Appalachian Highlands Celts is to provide education about the culture, heritage, and contributions of the Celts and Celtic nations. The society promotes the perpetuation of Celtic culture, traditions, customs, history, art, literature, and music. Various venues are provided for recognizing and celebrating the Celts rich legacy through education and activities that promote enjoyment,

entertainment, physical, mental, and social benefits of the society's members and the general public. During the year, AHC hosts and participates in events throughout our area to help promote our Celtic heritage. From festivals to Highland games events to educational presentations and more, there is something to interest every member of your family.

A Special Thank You to Belt Fed Strength & Black Iris Leather Goods!This year’s Highland Games medals were handcrafted b...
08/31/2026

A Special Thank You to Belt Fed Strength & Black Iris Leather Goods!

This year’s Highland Games medals were handcrafted by Kris and Randi Yarber, owners of Belt Fed Strength and Black Iris Leather Goods in Johnson City.

Kris and Randi specialize in handmade leather goods and custom weightlifting belts, and they brought that craftsmanship to our festival by creating the beautiful medals our Highland Games athletes will be competing for this year.

And there’s an extra special connection to the games Randi will also be out on the field competing in the Highland Games herself!

We’re grateful to have such talented local makers helping make this year’s event even more memorable. Be sure to check out their work and give them a big thank you when you see them at the festival!

Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival
September 5–6, 2026
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site
Johnson City, TN

Tickets are on sale now:
https://www.ahcelts.com/event-details/celtic-festival2026

Curious About Your Scottish Roots?Representatives from The Taste of Scotland Association in Franklin, North Carolina wil...
08/30/2026

Curious About Your Scottish Roots?

Representatives from The Taste of Scotland Association in Franklin, North Carolina will be on hand to help guests who are researching or simply curious about possible Scottish ancestry.

You’ll find them just outside the Visitor Center, facing the main courtyard, ready to answer questions, offer guidance, and help point you in the right direction as you explore your family heritage.

Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival
September 5–6, 2026
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site
Johnson City, Tennessee

Saturday: 8 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 8 AM–4 PM

Tickets are on sale now:
$10 One-Day Pass | $15 Weekend Pass

https://www.ahcelts.com/event-details/celtic-festival2026

And don’t forget the weekend begins Friday, September 4 at 6 PM with a FREE kickoff featuring the Calling of the Clans, Torch Lighting Ceremony, reception, Celtic trivia, and an outdoor Cèilidh concert.

Upper East Tennessee Celtic FestivalSeptember 5–6, 2026Tipton-Haynes State Historic SiteJohnson City, TennesseeAnd don’t...
08/29/2026

Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival
September 5–6, 2026
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site
Johnson City, Tennessee

And don’t forget — the celebration begins Friday night with our FREE Torch Lighting Ceremony, reception, and outdoor concert, followed by two full days of festival fun.

Saturday: 8 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 8 AM–4 PM

Tickets are on sale now:
$10 One-Day Pass | $15 Weekend Pass

https://www.ahcelts.com/event-details/celtic-festival2026

SUNDAY ONLY!We’re thrilled to welcome Christopher Bush and Samantha Jean of Tuatha Dea fame to the Upper East Tennessee ...
08/27/2026

SUNDAY ONLY!

We’re thrilled to welcome Christopher Bush and Samantha Jean of Tuatha Dea fame to the Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival for special performances throughout the day!

Hear the skirl of Christopher’s bagpipes carry across the grounds while Samantha brings the fiddle to life with the energy and spirit Celtic music is known for. We’re so excited to have them joining us for this special Sunday appearance.

Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival
September 5–6, 2026
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site
Johnson City, Tennessee

And don’t forget — the celebration begins Friday night with our FREE Torch Lighting Ceremony, reception, and outdoor concert, followed by two full days of festival fun.

Saturday: 8 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 8 AM–4 PM

Tickets are on sale now:
$10 One-Day Pass | $15 Weekend Pass

https://www.ahcelts.com/event-details/celtic-festival2026

Both the Celtic community and Tennessee have lost one of their own. The Appalachian Highlands Celts join those worldwide...
08/26/2026

Both the Celtic community and Tennessee have lost one of their own. The Appalachian Highlands Celts join those worldwide who mourn the loss of Dolly Parton. Few people have made the impact on our great state that this legendary woman did. She was so proud of being from Appalachia and of her Celtic ancestry.
East Tennessee’s own Dolly Parton has long spoken about the Celtic roots woven through both her family history and the music of the Smoky Mountains. Dolly has described her father’s family as Irish-Scottish, and she has often talked about the old songs brought to Appalachia from Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales that helped shape the music she grew up hearing and singing.

That connection can still be heard in Appalachian music today. Traditional ballads, fiddle tunes, storytelling songs, and melodies carried across the Atlantic became part of the musical heritage of the Smoky Mountains and ultimately helped influence the sound of artists like Dolly. The Country Music Hall of Fame notes that her mother sang traditional ballads passed down through generations, while Dolly herself has said that the connection between Scottish, Irish, English, and Welsh music and the songs of the Smokies is part of her own musical roots.

It’s another wonderful reminder that Celtic and Appalachian heritage are deeply intertwined and that those centuries old musical traditions are still telling their stories in Tennessee today.

Rest well Dolly and thank you for the music and for all you did for others.

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Johnson City, TN
37605

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