Radford Highlanders Festival brings Highland Games, music and Celtic traditions to campus Oct. 10
Radford, VA (10/05/2026) — You are invited to cover the 2026 Radford Highlanders Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Radford University.
A partnership between Radford University and the City of Radford, the free festival brings thousands of people to campus each fall for a day celebrating Celtic heritage, community and tradition. What began in the mid-1990s with approximately 3,000 attendees has grown to attract an estimated 10,000 people.
The festival offers numerous opportunities for compelling photos and video, including Highland Games featuring traditional Scottish athletic competitions, sheepherding demonstrations, pipe and drum performances, live Celtic music, a massed band performance and clan march, Highland cattle, craft and food vendors, and activities for children and families.
WHEN:
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
Festival begins at 9 a.m.
Highlights include:
- 9 a.m. - Highland Games begin
- 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. - Sheepherding demonstrations
- Noon - Opening ceremonies featuring a massed band performance and clan march
- 12:30 p.m. - Men's and stonelifting games
- Live music, pipe and drum performances, vendors and family activities will continue throughout the day.
WHERE:
Radford University main campus
Moffett Lawn and surrounding festival areas
Additional information, including the complete schedule and festival map, is available at radford.edu/festival.
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