The Radford Highlanders Festival is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2023 and features:
- The famed heavyweight games;
- Sheepherding;
- Live entertainment;
- Food;
- Vendors, and festivities for all ages.
The festival is a partnership between Radford University and the City of Radford, VA.
Whether a family’s background is of Scots-Irish origin or of other descent, the day always brings with it an air of excitement and anticipation. There is no place more beautiful than Southwest Virginia in the fall and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a beautiful back-drop for the fall festival.
The festival is open to the general public with free admission. View the full schedule of events.
About the Highlanders Festival
The Radford Highlanders Festival has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.
The festival began in the mid-1990s with an approximate crowd of 3,000. Over the past 25 years, the festival has more than tripled in size, and now attracts an estimated crowd of 10,000 people. Whether a family’s background is of Scots-Irish origin or of other descent, the day always brings with it an air of excitement and anticipation. There is no place more beautiful than Southwest Virginia in autumn and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a beautiful back-drop for the fall festival.
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2023 Highlanders Festival Music
Each year, the Radford Highlanders Festival brings in several musical acts for your listening pleasure! This year we are excited to welcome Albannach and SYR.
Albannach
Albannach is Scots-Gaelic for “Scottish” or “Scotsman”. That’s exactly what we are. Albannach is comprised of two Scotsmen and one Scottish lass, all born and bred in Scotland! Plus one American born Scot and an Irishman. Our main purpose in life is to share our intriguing culture, history and heritage with you by means of our music. The band consists of Jamesie Johnston (bass drummer and vocals), Donnie MacNeil (world-renowned bagpiper), Jacquie Holland (bass rhythm drummer and vocals), Nick Watson (lead drummer), and DidgeriDrew Reid (didgeridoo).
SYR
SYR (sire) is a Celtic Folk Rock band from Columbia, SC. Taking inspiration from Celtic history, stories and myth, SYR creates powerful songs with themes of battle, love and victory, celebrating the rich heritage of the Celtic Nations in a contemporary style with broad audience appeal. SYR's reputation for a high-energy performance has made them a popular attraction for many Celtic festivals and events, building a following across the US and internationally. Their much anticipated third album releases this year. The band consists of siblings Kyle (lead vocals, guitar) and Laurel MacCallum (vocals & percussion), Kelly Vance (bass), Luis Valverde (drums), Ben Campbell (guitar) and Worth Lewallen (fiddle).
Clan and Society Information
The Clan is a concept which dates back to the 12th century, which were extended networks of families who had loyalties to a particular chief. The word clan is derived from the Gaelic 'clann', meaning children.
Today, the Radford Highlanders Festival provides descendants of area clans and society's an opportunity to register and proudly showcase their family's heritage, as well as delight lovers of all ages with heavyweight games, music, entertainment, food and Celtic fun.
Vendor Information
The lawn of Moffett quad will turn into an open-air extravaganza featuring artists, vendors, craftspeople and community organizations. Start holiday shopping early or treat yourself to something special from one of the many vendors with a diverse and interesting set of clothing, accessories, jewelry and crafts.
The day is also a great feast, with assorted foods offered by vendors. Enjoy authentic Scottish fare, classic festival food or American classics, such as pizza and burgers. Savor the delicious food all while marveling at the power of the Scottish athletes participating in the heavyweight games.
Take a look back at past Radford Highlanders Festivals!
