A beloved tradition celebrating East Tennessee’s Scots-Irish heritage with music, food, and fun for all ages
DANDRIDGE, TN – After last year’s cancellation due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, the Scots-Irish Festival is making its much-anticipated return to Historic Downtown Dandridge on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27, 2025. Now in its 16th year, the festival once again honors the deep roots of East Tennessee’s settlers with a weekend full of music, heritage, and community. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and patrons, admission remains free for all festival events.
“Having to cancel last year’s festival was a difficult decision for our community,” said Festival Committee Chairman Chris Umberger. “But our committee, volunteers, and supporters never lost sight of bringing this tradition back stronger than ever. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Dandridge this fall.”
The festivities begin on Friday evening, September 26, with an Opening Concert from 6:30–9:00 PM on the Highland Stage behind Dandridge Town Hall. This year’s performers include Trip Rogers and The Muckers, bringing lively Irish and Celtic music to kick off the weekend. Guests can also enjoy a food truck and the always-popular Ale Garden, featuring selections from Iron Forge Brewing.
On Saturday, September 27, the festival takes over Main Street from 9:00 AM–9:30 PM with a full day of performances, heritage activities, and family fun. Festival goers will enjoy Scottish, Irish, and Celtic music on stage, including performances by SYR, House of Hamill, Trip Rogers, and Kelly Shipe on harp and bagpipe. Beloved emcee Bob Valentine returns to guide the day’s entertainment.
A highlight of Saturday’s program is the Pipe & Drum Band Parade and Ceremony at Noon, featuring the stirring sound of multiple bagpipe and drum bands. The combined choirs of Dandridge Elementary, Maury Middle, and Jefferson County High School will perform patriotic songs for the Opening Ceremony. Bagpipe and Drum Band challenge competitions will take place Saturday afternoon, offering an unforgettable musical experience.
Festival traditions continue with Highland Dancing, Irish Step Dancing, Highland Athletics, and swordplay demonstrations. Heritage enthusiasts can explore Scottish Clan and Heritage Society exhibits, with Clan Munro serving as this year’s Honored Clan. Visitors will also find a wide variety of vendors offering Celtic merchandise, handcrafted goods, and authentic Scottish, Irish, and American food.
The event also offers plenty of activities for families, including a children’s playground, storytelling, face painting, and shows from a ventriloquist and balloon artist. Guests can meet Highland cattle, Black Face sheep, and Border Collies, and pet lovers can enjoy the dog parade hosted in partnership with CARE Rescue.
Convenient shuttle buses will run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from First Baptist Church and the corner of Highway 139 and Cherokee Drive, ensuring easy access for all visitors.
“Each year, we’re thrilled to see thousands of visitors come together to celebrate this rich cultural tradition,” Umberger added. “This year will be especially meaningful as we return after Hurricane Helene’s impact and once again fill Dandridge with the sights and sounds of Scots-Irish heritage.”
For more information, including schedules, photos, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.ScotsIrishFestival.com or contact Chris Umberger at info.scotsirishfestival@gmail.com. You can also join the conversation on Facebook at Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival.