Set in the stunning landscapes of Glen Innes Highlands, in northern New South Wales, the Australian Celtic Festival is a truly unique celebration of living Celtic culture in Australia. Each May, the township of Glen Innes embraces its Celtic heritage and welcomes thousands of visitors from across Australia and internationally to gather among the iconic Australian Standing Stones – the National Celtic Monument of Australia now in its 34th year.
In 2026 the Festival celebrates the Year of Scotland, delivering four days of music, ceremony, culture and action from Thursday 30 April to Sunday 3 May 2026.
Honoured Guest
Every year the Australian Celtic Festival is delighted to invite an Honoured Guest who reflects the year’s featured Celtic nation. This year we are pleased to announce acclaimed cook Ali Stoner, known internationally as Roving Haggis, as its Honoured Guest in 2026.
Glasgow-born and Melbourne based Ali demonstrates her creative approach to Scottish food with storytelling and invites us to make her delicious and innovative, yet traditionally inspired recipes celebrating Scottish culture, heritage and connection. Ali will play a central role in the Festival program with a series of special presentations and side events across the weekend, and will officially open the Festival at the Opening Ceremony on Friday 1 May in Glen Innes Town Square.
The Australian Standing Stones venue
Over the four days, events are held throughout Glen Innes and the surrounding District, with the main Australian Standing Stones venue a hive of activity on Friday evening 1 May, Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May, with Celtic inspired market stalls and food vendors, music, dance, piping, ceremony and live action. Visitors can watch thrilling live jousting tournaments on horseback, cheer on competitors in the Highland Games, catch the Celtic nations ceremonies, Kirkin of the Tartan and visit the Clan and society tents around the stone circle. Families will love the Celtic Kids marquee including performances on the Sunday Family Fun Day, especially designed for the young ones, Celtic dog parade and Fashion parade. Our Celtic Cauldron marquee will host the Poets Breakfast and offers the chance to experience the living traditions of Celtic music, song and language in an inspiring environment.
The re-enactors add another fascinating layer to the weekend. Groups such as An T-Arm Albannach and the New England Medieval Arts Society (NEMAS) re-enactment and living history groups will take you back in time with demonstrations, traditional crafts, storytelling, military drills and dramatic battle displays. Their presence gives visitors a real sense of the history behind the culture being celebrated. The entertainment line up at the Highlands Stage has a full program of top Australian Celtic musicians and dancers, harpists to Celtic rock. This stage is adjacent to an array of food vendors and the Boar ‘n’ Drum Tavern and licensed precinct with outdoor screen to listen to the music with old friends and new in the welcoming atmosphere.
Evening Events
Friday Night kicks of the entertainment at the Australian Standing Stones venue, with the Friday Night Céilídh in the Highlands Marquee hosted by energetic Scotsman, Graeme McColgan and Ceilidh Connections. This traditional gathering will have you on your feet faster than you can say haggis!
The Saturday Night ‘Sesh’ hosted by Mick McHugh from The Gathering and featuring a variety of local and visiting artists will make for an energetic evening’s craic!
ACF Celtic Food Trail
A major feature of the 2026 Year of Scotland is the expanded ACF Celtic Food Trail, which weaves culinary experiences throughout Glen Innes and the Festival site. Leading this journey is acclaimed Scottish cook and storyteller Ali Stoner, the Festival’s Honoured Guest.
Ali brings warmth, authenticity and deep cultural knowledge to the Festival, sharing traditional Scottish recipes, stories and sustainable food practices. She will appear at the Celtic Cauldron alongside Roberta Muir, host demonstrations, and participate in special side events with local producers, chefs and venues across town. Throughout the week, local cafés, pubs, restaurants and producers will embrace the Celtic theme with special menus, tastings and events that invite visitors to truly “taste Scotland in the Highlands.”
Events Around Town
During Festival week Glen Innes comes alive with events for both visitors and locals. On Thursday evening the much-loved 100,000 Welcomes Concert offers a warm musical introduction to the weekend ahead. Across the town there are talks, workshops, the Highlands Hub Celtic Symposium, a busking competition, the Australian Celtic Cultural Awards for art & fashion. The Land of the Beardies Museum also hosts special programming that connects local history with Celtic heritage.
On Friday morning the official Opening Ceremony takes place in the historic town centre, bringing together civic leaders, performers and community in a proud and festive moment. Saturday morning features the iconic Street Parade from 9:30am, when crowds line the main street to watch massed pipe bands, clans, dancers and community groups march together in solidarity and celebration.
After the parade, many local businesses join the festivities by decorating their shop windows in Celtic themes. Free shuttle buses run throughout the weekend, connecting the town, Showgrounds, Visitor Information Centre and the Australian Standing Stones so everyone can enjoy the Festival with ease.
Stay and Explore
Glen Innes offers accommodation to suit every traveller, from motels and boutique farm stays to caravan parks and scenic camping areas. Many visitors choose to stay longer to experience the beauty of the New England High Country in its peak autumn season, with golden landscapes, crisp air and spectacular natural scenery just a short drive from the Festival.
With accommodation sometimes hard to find, we encourage day trips from neighbouring towns and villages.
Tickets for official Festival events are available online at www.australiancelticfestival.com, where you can also find the full program of events happening across Glen Innes. Follow the Australian Celtic Festival on Facebook and Instagram for updates, artist announcements and behind-the-scenes stories as we prepare to celebrate the Year of Scotland in 2026.
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