Radford University
Radford Highlanders Festival
Join us Oct. 11, 2025
9 a.m.
On the main campus of Radford University
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 fall festival.
About the 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.
2024 Radford Highlanders Festival Music
Each year, the Radford Highlanders Festival brings in several musical acts for your listening pleasure! In 2024 we were excited to welcome The Fighting Jamesons, Kinnfolk and Geoff White.
Stay tuned for the 2025 musical acts.
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The Fighting Jamesons
The Fighting Jamesons deliver a traditional style of music with an aggressive and energetic modern-day approach. Forming in 2010, The Fighting Jamesons quickly gained a strong presence on the East Coast. They've shared the stage with legendary Irish rock acts such as Dropkick Murphys, The Saw Doctors, and Young Dubliners. In 2011 the band released their self-titled debut album, followed by their 2014 sophomore album Every Day Above Ground both produced and engineered by Capital Records recording artist Mark Padgett. Featuring:
Mike Powers, acoustic guitar, banjo, & lead vocals; George "Geo" Bauman IV, electric lead guitar; Jeff McLaughlin, fiddle, backing vocals; Miles Hoyle, accordion; Taylor Vertress, bass; and Chris Love, drums. -
Kinnfolk
KINNFOLK – the husband and wife duo of Josh and Julie Kinn – weave octave mandolin, bodhrán (Irish drum), and smooth vocal harmonies into their Celtic folk music from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sea shanties and working songs, to trad tunes and Old Time favorites, Kinnfolk’s fresh take on classics blends seamlessly with their original compositions. They share stories as enduring as tartan, spinning yarns steeped in Appalachian charm, enjoying playful banter with the audience. Their shows feel like a kitchen party, where everyone is family, and there’s always room for a dancer.
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Geoff White
Hailing from the Highlands of Western North Carolina, Geoff has been playing fiddle all his life. Geoff infuses Celtic, Old-time, and even some Cajun influences into his playing for a unique brand of fiddling.
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.
- Clan and society registration will be available soon
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.
- Vendor application will be available soon
