RADFORD – Radford University’s Moffett Quad will be brimming with bagpipes, Scottish games athletes, Celtic rock and much more this Saturday at the annual Radford Highlanders Festival.
“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,” the university announced. “What began in the mid-1990s with approximately 3,000 attendees has grown to attract an estimated 10,000 people each year.”
The festival is highlighted by the crowd-favorite Highland Games featuring traditional Scottish athletic competitions, along with 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. The festival begins at 9 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. 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 stone lifting games
Live music, pipe and drum performances, vendors and family activities will continue throughout the day.
Schedule of music on Moffett Stage includes:
9 a.m.: Geoff the Fiddler and the Flat Caps
10:30 a.m.: Syr
12:30 p.m.: Syr
2 p.m.: Cat & Banjo
3:30 p.m.: Kinnfolk
Schedule of music at the Clocks Plaza Stage includes:
9:30 a.m.: Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums
10:30 a.m.: Radford University Highlanders Pipes and Drums
11 a.m.: Copy Cat Syndrome
12:30 p.m.: Copy Cat Syndrome
1:30 p.m.: Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drums
2:30 p.m.: Johnny Cakes and the Lunch Truck
The festival will be held on the Radford University main campus on Moffett Lawn and the surrounding area. Additional information, including the complete schedule and festival map, is available at radford.edu/festival.
Staff report
