From highland gatherings to Burns Night celebrations and
everything in between, there is something for everyone this month, whether you
want to embrace your own Celtic roots or learn more about Celtic culture. Start
2026 out in Celtic style! If you know of any upcoming events, either in January
or otherwise, please reach out!
Australia
Maryborough Highland Gathering 2026
January 1, 2026
Maryborough, Victoria
https://highlandsociety.com.au/highland-gathering/
This year marks the 163rd Maryborough Highland
Gathering, as well as the 50th
anniversary of the “Girl on the Drum” spectacular that has become a beloved
tradition of the Gathering. The event began in 1857 by Scottish settlers in the
area and has been celebrating Scottish culture ever since. There are activities
for the whole family to enjoy.
Scottish Weekender 2026
January 23-25, 2026
Glenworth Valley, NSW
https://www.scottishweekender.com.au/
The Scottish Weekender is a 3-day celebration of Scottish
culture. From music and a Burns Night supper to Ceilidh dancing and camping,
the event is filled with fun and Scottish culture. There is something for
everyone to enjoy, even if you are not Scottish. For those who are not keen on
camping in a tent, upgrades for “glamping” are available!
Ireland: The Voyage
January 31, 2026
Cummins Theatre, 31 Bates St, Merredin WA 6415, Australia
https://www.cumminstheatre.com.au/event/ireland-the-voyage/
“Ireland: The Voyage” is a show that is led by Giselle
O’Meara and features a cast of live musicians and dancers. The show takes the
audience through the history of Ireland through music and song, from the
ancient Celts to St. Patrick and beyond. The show is produced by the same crew
that produced “Celtic Illusion.”
Brittany
Longueur D'ondes Festival
January 28-February 1, 2026
Ville de Brest, Divers lieux, 29200 Brest
https://www.longueur-ondes.fr/
The Longueur D'ondes Festival is a radio and listening
festival in Brest. Its focus is on professional development for radio and
podcast professionals. The festival hosts a variety of programs and events for
those looking to hone their craft.
Fest'hiver 2026
January 30th to February 1st, 2026
Station street, 29680 Roscoff, France
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/tangoalamer/evenements/fest-hiver-2026-par-tangoalamer
Fest’hiver is a tango event that boast 22 hours of dancing
over the span of a weekend. The music is provided by DJs, and there is a
wellness area that participants can visit for an additional fee. There is also
a place to buy and sell tango dress attire.
Canada
A Celebration of Robbie Burns with Blackthorn
January 17, 2026
Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3K 1G2
Canada
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-celebration-of-robbie-burns-with-blackthorn-tickets-1280984141049
This event celebrates Scotland’s most beloved poet, Robert
Burns. It features fiddler Rosie Carver, Celtic band Blackthorn, bagpipes, and
the dance company The Wee Drams. Burns’ poems will also be celebrated during
the event.
Robbie Burns Night 2026
January 24, 2026
Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, 21
Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton
https://www.showpass.com/robbie-burns-night-2026/
Like many Burns Night celebrations, this one features the
reading of Burns’ poetry. The meal is a traditional roast beef dinner with a
vegetarian option available. Haggis will also be available. Performances
include Vale United Pipe Band, Emily McDonald School of Highland Dance,
Castilla Irish Dancers, and the Naramata Scottish Country Dancers.
Kamloops Highland Games 137th Annual Robbie Burns Dinner
January 24, 2026
Kamloops, 814 Lorne St, Kamloops, BC V2C 1W8, Canada
https://www.kamloopshighlandgames.org/event-details/kamloops-highland-games-137th-annual-robbie-burns-dinner
This Robert Burns Night event features Kamloops Pipe Band
and Highland dancers as well as a traditional Scottish roast beef dinner. There
will also be a DJ playing music for people to dance to. The event benefits the Kamloops
Highland Games.
Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance
January 31, 2026
Hardisty Community Hall, 4807 49 St, Hardisty, AB T0B
1V0, Canada
https://www.flagstaffscottishclub.com/robbieburns
This Burns Night event features the classic festivities such
as Burns’ poetry, bagpipes, and music. There will be a silent auction, a Scotch
tasting, and a Bonnie Knees Competition. Entertainment will be provided by Battle
River Pipes and Drums and Fraid Knot.
Ireland
Festival Mná 2026
January 3, 2026
Moate, Co. Westmeath
https://festivalmna.com/
Festival Mná is Ireland’s only women’s festival. This event is all about female empowerment!
There are classes and workshops that are designed to help women learn, grow,
and support each other. The event is an outdoor event, so be mindful of the
weather if you go.
TradFest 2026
January 21 - 25, 2026
Dublin City, Co. Dublin
https://tradfest.com/
TradFest is an annual music festival that celebrates Irish
music and culture in Dublin each January. It is Ireland’s largest traditional
and folk music festival and features a variety of performances to be held
across five days.
Féile Sheáin Mhic Pháidín - John McFadden Festival 2026
January 30 - February 1, 2026
Newport, Co. Mayo
https://www.facebook.com/JohnMcFaddenFestival
This festival is a celebration of culture, music, community,
and more. It was named after a renowned fiddle player who was born in Ireland
and emigrated to the United States. The event features music workshops,
concerts, and ceilis.
Féile na mBan 2026
January 30- February 2, 2026
Bundoran, Co. Donegal
https://www.feilenamban.ie/
This women’s festival seeks to uplift women of all walks of
life. It takes place around the Celtic festival of Imbolc, which is also known
as St. Brigid’s Day. While there are women-only events and is a celebration of
women, there are things for the whole family to enjoy.
Isle of Mann
The Life & Works of Edward Faragher, aka Ned Beg Hom
Ruy
January 5, 2026; 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Erin Arts Centre; Victoria Square, Off Upper Promenade;Port
Erin, Isle of Man IM9 6LD
https://rushenheritage.org/
Edward Faragher is known as Ned Beg Hom Ruy and is
considered one of the greatest Manx writers of all time. This talk, featuring
speaker Rob Teare, discusses the life of Faragher. The event is perfect for
those who may not be familiar with Faragher or his work.
New Zealand
2026 Turakina Highland Games
January 31, 2026
Turakina Domain Cameron Road, Turakina, Manawatu
https://turakinahighlandgames.co.nz/
Turakina Highland Games is New Zealand’s oldest festival
that celebrates things like music, dance, and sports. The event began in 1864, and
it continues to be a beloved tradition. There are activities for the whole
family to enjoy at the festival.
150th Waimate Caledonian Games
January 31, 2026
Waimate Tennant St, Waimate 7924, New Zealand, Waimate,
South Canterbury, New Zealand
www.sporty.co.nz/waimatecaledonian
2026 marks the 150th Waimate Caledonian Games. The
event features a wide variety of sporting events, from cycling and athletics to
piping and highland dancing and more. Those participating can choose which
sport they want to do and sign up online.
Scotland
Big Burns Supper Dumfries
January 15-25, 2026
Dumfries, Scotland
https://bigburnssupper.com/
Nowhere celebrates Robert Burns like the home country of
Burns himself-Scotland. This event takes place across Dumfries, with a variety
of events happening throughout the dates. From a traditional Burns Night supper
to a 20-minute Burns Night supper, there is something for everyone.
Celtic Connections
January 15-February 1, 2026
Glasgow, Scotland
https://www.celticconnections.com/
Celtic Connections is the premier music festival and is a
celebration of international Celtic music. The festival features a lineup of
300 events spanning a multitude of musical genres, and even features unique
collaborations for the event.
Up Helly Aa
January 27, 2026
Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland
https://www.uphellyaa.org/up-helly-aa-2026/
While Up Helly Aa events occur from January through March,
the main festival is the last Tuesday in January in Lerwick. The event features
torchlit processions, dressing up as “guizers,” and burning a replica of a Viking
galley.
United States
Florida Keys Celtic Festival
January 10-11, 2026
Marathon Community Park, MM49 US Hwy 1 Ocean Side, Marathon,
Florida
https://floridakeyscelticfestival.com/
This Celtic festival features a variety of family-friendly
activities, from Celtic music and dancing to Pipes and Drums bands and
sheepherding dogs, and much more. There are kid-friendly activities, including
games and face painting.
ASF Burns Night Gala Celebration
January 16, 2026
University Club, New York, New York
https://americanscottishfoundation.com/events/2026-burns-night.html
This year’s ASF Burns Night Gala is the 30th. It
celebrates and honors Scottish poet Robert Burns through music and words. Aside
from poetry and music, there will be a whisky tasting, dancing, and a silent
auction.
Central Florida Highland Games
January 17 & 18, 2026
Winter Springs, FL
https://flascot.com/
The event takes place in Winter Springs, Florida. It seeks
to celebrate Scottish culture, with a highlight being the Heritage Tent, where
participants can research to see if they have any clan affiliations. There will
also be activities such as music, dancing, a Boulder Boogie, and more.
BRIGID
January 17, 2026
New Hazlett Theater; 6 Allegheny Square E, Pittsburgh, PA
15212
https://brigidpgh.com/
BRIGID is an event that honors and celebrates Brigid, who
was a goddess and saint, as well as women in Celtic culture. It features live
music, and this year, will be a two-week celebration that includes a variety of
activities, from Brigid’s cross making and a bonfire to a ceili.
Burns Night Celebration
January 23, 2026
Beale Manor, 200 South Church Street, Parkesburg, PA
19365
https://www.covenanterscottishfestival.com/festival-overview/2026-burns-night
The event begins by guests being “piped” in, followed by a
social time with fiddle music being provided by Tom Knapp. There will be a
buffet meal, including haggis. Musician Charlie Zahm will present his show, "A
Tribute to Robert Burns."
Burns Night
January 25, 2026
Rosenbach Museum, Philadelphia, PA
https://www.rosenbach.org/programs/burns-night-2026
Like many Burns Night celebration, this event honors and celebrates the life and poetry of Robert Burns. It features poetry readings, music, and a whisky tasting. The event usually sells out quickly, but there is a waitlist just in case it does.
Related articles:
-Celtic Events: December 2025: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/11/celtic-events-december-2025.html
-Celtic Events: October 2025: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/09/celtic-events-october-2025.html