2025 Entertainers
Pipe & Drum Band Challenge Playoff
The Knoxville Pipes & Drums
The Memphis Pipe Band
Entertainers
House of Hamill Today, Pennsylvania-based band is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. Their version of “Pound a Week Rise” rose to #1 on the US Folk DJ charts, and the video for their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” amassed over 16 million views on Facebook, where it was shared over 400,000 times.
The band's upcoming release, “Wildfire,” marks House of Hamill's most compelling work to date. Featuring their strongest and most exciting songwriting, “Wildfire” is filled with lyrical depth, sophisticated vocal and instrumental arrangements, and hooks that are simply irresistible. This album captures the vibrant energy and creativity that have become the hallmarks of a House of Hamill live show.
Sponsored by Regions Bank
Bob Valentine, Emcee and Entertainer (shown with fan club above) will return again to the Dandridge Festival. He will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Festival Opening Ceremony and for the Highland Stage during the Saturday performances as well as the Ceilidh by the Loch.
Sponsored by H.B. Jarnagin Insurance
Tennessee Irish Dancers - Katie Carver , Champion Irish Step Dancer, is long thought of as 'Family' in Dandridge. She will bring her students to perform Irish Step Dancing on the Lowland Stage. She will also perform in the Ceilidh on the Loch, Saturday night.
Sponsored by Rick Bowlin, CPA
Knoxville Pipes & Drums Highland Dancers will be demonstrating Highland Dances on the Lowland Stage several times during the day. Highland Dance is a traditional form of dance originating in Scotland. For hundreds of years, men & women have danced the traditional steps to the tune of the great highland bagpipes.
Sponsored by Assured Insurance Consultants
Col. Randy Gratz, USAF Ret. is a native of East Tennessee and following a 39-year career in the Air Froce moved to the Florida Keys. He and his wife Sarah now split their time between Florida and the Maryville area. Randy will be performing demonstrations of the traditional highland athletic events, including the Caber Toss, Weight over the Bar, Hammer Throw & Sheaf Toss.
SYR (“sire”) is redefining Celtic Rock by taking inspiration from Celtic history, stories and myths, to create powerful contemporary songs with themes of battle, love, and victory. Their high-energy performance and foot-stomping style has become a welcome addition to festivals and events across the U.S. Front-man Kyle MacCallum founded SYR on the belief that the rich heritage of the Celtic Nations could be brought to life in a fresh musical style that appeals to all ages.
Sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners
Trip Rogers, the powerful Irish music icon is on a mission…to make Celtic music that forces folks to stand up and take notice. This is not the fragile, romanticized Celtic music you hear in movie soundtracks, but the kind that makes you sing along and stomp your feet. This seasoned music veteran from Mint Hill, NC, weaves traditional Scottish and Irish music with original creations while adding a southern swagger that sets the stage on fire. Trip's stage presence creates a rebel rousing party that not only draws fans in, but makes them feel like a part of the show. Trip Rogers delivers the beauty and tradition of Celtic music, new and old, with the guts, showmanship, and attitude of an arena rock band. You will likely find him wherever kinsmen are gathered and the craic is lively!
Sponsored by the Shepard Inn
Kelly Shipe an outstanding Piper & Harpist, has been our 'Lone Piper on the Dike' following our Ceilidh by the Loch, for all ten years of the Festival and will again do so in 2017. Taken from the Military Tattoo annually at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, Kelly shown above spotlighted on an otherwise ptich black dike at 9pm, is an awesome sight, and sound, to behold.
Sponsored by Jeffco Drug Center
Free Company Fencing is a local fencing club that practices historical European martial arts. They focus on Scottish broadsword (with targe) and the Irish stick (Keegan batta). During the day on Saturday, they will be providing exhibition sword fights on the Dike.
The Muckers are a five-piece folk-rock band from Atlanta. With a strong emphasis on Irish music, the band also blends influences of Romani music, sea shanties, country, rockabilly, and anything else they can get their hands on. The name doesn’t mean what you think it means.
“The Muckers aren’t your stereotypical Irish Rock cover band. No, they are so much more… The chemistry between the five-piece-group is seamless and they are writing together better than ever. The Muckers are a jolly good time, undoubtedly fan favorites, and always a crowd pleaser.”
Jay McClure is also known by his stage name: Haggis Macleod, the Prevaracating Scotsmon. He's a purveyor of outrageous tales, extravagant prevaracations, and shrewd witticisms...and occasionally if he's of a mind, he'll tell the truth. He has been performing storytelling over 25 years, previously with the Brevard (FL) Theatrical Ensemble, performing a wide variety of stories.His specialty is Celtic stories with an emphasis on the Clan Macleod. He was given permission by the Clan's past chief (RIP) to wear pheasant feathers as Clan Baird and storyteller. Jay will be telling stories and serving as master of ceremonies for the Lowland Stage.
Sponsored by Farmers Insurance
Ron Lighty, ventriloquist and balloon artist, will be entertaining young and old from the Lowland Stage on Saturday morning. Ron and Jason will capture the imagination of all ages as he tells stories and gets the children involved. Ron will also making balloon creations in the Children’s area after the show.
Sponsored by Thomas Heating & Cooling
Lakin's Highland Cattle & Black Faced Sheep and Sheep Dog Exhibit
Sponsored by Jefferson Co Farm Bureau & David Haston
For the Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival, folks that have never had the pleasure to attend are often unsure and have questions about the event. In this section, we’ve gathered the most popular questions and summarized pertainent information for your reference. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Festival Staff at: info.scotsirishfestival@gmail.com
1. Where is the Festival located? The Scots-Irish Festival is located in historic downtown Dandridge, Tennessee. The main entrance is at the intersection of Main Street and Gay Street (Highway 92), adjacent to Loch Douglas (TVA Douglas Lake). Dandridge is quaint little town, the second oldest in the state, settled in 1782.
2. Where can I park? There are several public parking lots within close walking distance of downtown: northwest of Jefferson County Courthouse (202 W. Main St.); across the street, south of the Jefferson Co Clerk’s office (214 W. Main St.); at the corner of north Gay Street (Hwy 92) and Meeting Street. In addition, the Scots-Irish volunteers operate free shuttle buses to the Festival from two locations: First Baptist Church (951 Highway 92) and a lot located at the corner of West Main Street and Cherokee Drive. These shuttle buses operate from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
3. How much is admission? Thanks to the hard work of the Festival volunteers and the generosity of sponsors and patrons of the event, the Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival is absolutely free to the public. The mission on the Festival is to provide the community entertainment and education about the heritage of the Scots-Irish pioneers who settled in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina in the late 1700s.
4. Do you have pipe bands at the Festival? As an essential element of Scots-Irish tradition, the bagpipes are featured prominently in the Festival. The event starts out with concerts from each of three different pipes and drums bands from the region. The Knoxville Pipes and Drums is the host band for the Festival and helps with organizing the piping activities. At noon there is a formal Opening Ceremony led by the Pipe Bands. Starting with a parade down Main Street, the bands then play traditional music during the ceremony. Early in the afternoon, there is a Pipe Band Playoff Competition in which each of the bands completes for prizes and recognition. Later in the afternoon, the massed Pipe Bands march on the dike, high above Main Street, inspiring awe and wonder in all the spectators.
5. What kind of entertainment is featured? The Festival organizers strive to arrange a wide variety of musical and dance entertainment each year. Emphasis is placed on Celtic roots and Appalachian music evolved from that of the Scots-Irish settlers. Among recent performers include SYR, a Celtic Rock band; Four Leaf Peat, performing traditional Irish music; Wild Blue Yonder, an Appalachian music group; Trip Rogers, who performs a wide variety of Irish and traditional tunes. As entertainers are secured for the 2022 Festival, the website will be updated to reflect the lineup.
Other entertainment includes demonstrations of Highland dance and Irish Step dancing for those interested. Several performers will present these traditional dances and a Mistress of Ceremonies will provide background information and historical background of the dances.
Are there activites for children? For a number of years we have featured Days Gone By, an activity center for our younger guests. Located adjacent to the Lowland Stage, there are a wide variety of games and activities for children. Rocking horses, jump ropes, Jenga, Lincoln Logs, and marble run are among the many games available for their entertainment. The Highland cattle and border collies exhibited at the event are also favorites of the children. Our kids also really enjoy the dog parade down Main Street just before the Opening Ceremony. Festival goers are welcome to bring their well-behaved dogs to participate in the parade. We are also pleased to have CARE Companion Animal Rescue & Education program attend the Festival with dogs and cats for adoption.
7. Can Clans be involved? Many Clans do participate in the Festival with booths on Main Street to display their tartans and insignia. Clans are welcome to help us celebrate our heritage by attending the event, sponsoring a booth and greeting the public. In fact, many of our guests have commented on how exciting it is for them to learn more about their Scots-Irish roots from the Clan representatives. Follow this link to our Clan page where you may register your group for the 2023 Festival.
8. What kind of vendors do you have? Following through with our Festival theme of Celtic heritage, we strive to register vendors that have a Scottish, Irish, or Celtic products or services. Vendors at the Dandridge event include those with Celtic merchandise such as clothing, kilts, jewelry , apparel, accessories, crafts, pottery and knives. Food vendors participate with traditional Scottish and Irish wares and a variety of other foods, baked goods, snacks and beverages. The Festival also includes an Ale Garden with several craft offerings from Highland Brewery. You can find more information and an application for next year’s event on our Vendor page.
9. Are there Highland Games competitions? Because of the space limitations of downtown Dandridge, there’s really not enough room for us to host the typical Highland competions. In order to give our visitors a taste of the Highland culture, we have arranged to have demonstrations of some of the traditional events during the Festival. While not quite as exciting as a formal competition, the demonstrations allow the public to learn more about the Scottish traditions.
10. What is a Ceilidh? The word comes from Irish and Scottish Gaelic, meaning a social evening or a party with music and dancing. The Ceilidh for Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival begins at 6:30 PM and includes performances from the musicians who have performed earlier in the day. To start the program, Knoxville Pipes and Drums plays some inspiring tunes. Other bands entertain the crowd with a variety of musical styles. We even have a demonstration of dance as part of our evening concert. Finally at dark, the Lone Piper plays from the top of the dike at Loch Douglas to close the festivities.
11. How can I support the event? Volunteers are the essential elements of organizing and accomplishing the Festival each year. These volunteers work diligently in the planning, preparation and operation of all aspects of the Celtic celebration. Regional businesses provide financial support to allow the Festival Committee to provide the musical entertainment and the necessary support services. Interested friends and neighbors also contribute as patrons to insure that the Festival continues from year to year. If you would like to find out more about becoming a sponsor, patron or volunteer for the event, please follow the links or let us know at info.scotsirishfestival@gmail.com.
lodging
Our Host Hotel
Quality Inn - Dandridge
(865) 397-4310
Mention you are staying for the Scots-Irish Festival to receive a discounted room rate!
Southside of I-40 at Exit 417, the Quality Inn is 2 miles from Historic Downtown Dandridge. All rooms have free WiFi, flat screen TVs, Premium Cable channels, refrigerators & coffee makers. Quality Inn offers a continental breakfast as well as free coffee in the lobby as well as a fitness center, guest laundry facities and free parking, plus a business center, seasonal outdoor pool and a sundeck.
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VENDORS
2025 Vendors
Merchandise Vendors - Scots, Irish, and Celtic GOODS & SERVICES
Aviary Broom Company - Brooms & Other Handicrafts
(The) Bead Designer - Custom Handmade Jewelry
B’yond Borders - Irish & International Gifts
Blessed Bee Herbs - Herbs & Teas
(The) Celtic Monkey - Celtic Foods & Snacks
Celtic Realms - Books, Music, Scarves & Jewelry
Celtic Tides - Family Name History, Gifts
Dragon Metal Studios - Custom Jewelry & Yard Art
K&D Fancy Faces - Face Painting & Temporary Tattoos
M3 Graphics - Festival Teeshirts and other apparel
Martha’s Market - Gifts & Decor
Old House Pottery - Handmade ceramic ware
Pawkey Scottish Tees - Apparel with Scottish flair
Penultimate Productions - Wooden products, cutting boards
St. Kilda USA - Traditional Scottish & Irish Highland Wear, Kilts, Belts, Sashes, Hose
Sanctuary Jewelry - Artisan Custom Jewelry
Scottish Blessings Farm - Soaps & Lotions
Sure Footed Dreamer - Arts & crafts, earrings
Thistle Dew - Celtic, Irish & English wares
Food & Snack Vendors
Allyson’s Chimney Cakes - Chimney Cakes & Baked Goods
Captain Mac’s Seafood & Grill - Seafood & Snacks
(The) Celtic Monkey - Celtic Foods
(The) Colonel’s Coffee Company - Coffee and Drinks
Grillbilly Smoke - Grilled meats, Scottish dishes
Gringo’s Tacos - Taco and Burgers
House of Douglas Scottish Bakery - Scones, Shortbread, Breads & Cakes
JDL Kettle Corn - Kettle Corn
Rainbo Shaved Ice & Funnel Cakes
Scottish Cottage - Scottish, Celtic menu
Wowfulls - Burgers, fried & sandwiches
Want to be a Vendor for 2026?
Have Scottish, Irish or Celtic Themed Products?
We are pleased that we now have a full complement of Vendors for the 16th annual Scots-Irish Festival for 2025. We are sorry that we cannot accept any more vendor applications for this year. Because of space limitations, we must limit our vendors to those that have products that are Scottish, Irish, or Celtic related. However, occasionally we will have an opening for additional vendors. If you are interested in being a vendor for 2026, please contact us at vendors.scotsirishfestival@gmail.com with an email with details of your products to demonstrate eligibility. Photos of Scottish, Irish and/or Celtic merchandise will be helpful..
Please note that no vendor applications are approved or assigned through Facebook links or messages.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING TO HELP WITH THE FESTIVAL?
It takes a lot of work to organize and operate an event like the Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival. There is a dedicated group of volunteers that work diligently each year to put together this celebration for the community. We need volunteers of all types to help make our event a success. If you would like to find out more about how to participate, please enter your contact information with the link below.
Clans & Heritage
We are pleased to report that we’ve had a great turnout of Clans and Heritage Organizations for the 2025 edition of the Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival. Response has been so strong that we’ve now filled up all the space available for Clans this year. We are so sorry that we can’t accept any more applications for this event. Because of our location in historic downtown Dandridge, Tennessee, we are limited on space available for both our Clans and Vendors.
2025 PARTICIPATION
Clan Guthrie
Scottish Society of Knoxville
Scottish American Military Society, Post 328
Martha Dandridge Washington Chapter, NSDAR
Jefferson County Historical Society
2026 Registration Form
CLAN & HERITAGE ORGANIZATION REGISTRATION
Activities
2024 Schedule
Vendor information
(2024 information coming soon)
Old-Time Children's Playground
Our volunteers will host a wonderful old-time Children's Playground near the Lowland Stage. This program is proudly sponsored by Bush Brothers & Company
Sheepdog Demonstrations
Phil Lakin will also be bringing his Border Collies for an exhibit near the Lowland Stage.
Dog Parade
Our Dog Parade is a tribute to the Scottish & Irish working dogs bred centuries before on the mountainsides of the Highlands and the pastures of the misty Lowlands.
While we will lead off and feature these breeds from the British Isles we welcome all dogs that you're proud enough of to join in our parade.
There is no charge to join in our parade but any donations received will be given to CARE - Companion Animal Rescue & Education in Jefferson County.
The parade will assemble in Graveyard Alley beside the Shepard's Inn by 11:30am and at 11:50pm will march to the music while parading to the intersection of Main St. & Gay St. & back down to near the Food Vendors area & return.
Festival Teeshirts and collectible pins will be on sale at the M3 Graphics tent across the street from the Visitors Center on Main street during the festival.
The Thistle Club
The Thistle Club of the Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival is for those individuals who wish to be Contributing Patrons of the Festival. We have three categories of Patron Programs: Golden Patrons, Benefactor Patrons and Heather Patrons. We would be very grateful if you would consider contributing to support our festival. Thank you so much for your continued generousity!!
2024 Contributing Patrons
Golden Patrons
Curtis & Leigh Barnes - Dandridge
Chris & Freida Umberger - Dandridge
David & Kim McNabney - Dandridge
Dan & Nancy Beth Garrett - Dandridge
Janet Drass-Talbot & John Hampton - Dandridge
Bill & Marla Black - Dandridge
Jerry & Carolyn Watkins - Dandridge
Curtis & Leigh Barnes - Dandridge
David Freeland - Dandridge
Thad Osborne - Knoxville
Benefactor Patrons
Martha Anderson - Morristown
Rick Farrar - Dandridge
Doug & Caroline Goddard - Dandridge
Cecil & Ginger Franklin - Dandridge
Becky Murray - Dandridge
Heather Patrons
Sonny & Diane Sherrod - Dandridge
Jimmy & Ella Sharp
Jack Cabbage
Dottie Comet
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A CONTRIBUTING PATRON, PLEASE SEE OUR PACKAGES BELOW.
GOLDEN
The Golden Patron's Package requires a minimum of $350 contribution to the Festival.
Golden Patron Benefits include:
1. Two Gold Ribbon Nametags
2. Two Reservations at the Patrons’ Reception on Sept. 19th at the Dandridge First United Methodist Church.
3. Admission for two at the Shepard's Inn on Saturday for rest, a cold drink & restrooms.
4. Front Row Reserved Seats at the Ceilidh by the Loch, Saturday evening.
5. A Very Special Scottish Treat Basket, also including a fine Taste of the Highlands
BENEFACTOR
The Benefactor Patron's Package requires a minimum of $125 per individual or $250 per couple contribution to the Festival.
Benefactor Patron Benefits include:
1. One/Two Green Ribbon Nametags
2. Two Reservations at the Patrons’ Reception on Sept. 19th at the Dandridge First United Methodist Church..
3. Admission for two at the Shepard's Inn on Saturday for rest, a cold drink & restrooms.
4. Front or 2nd Row Reserved Seats at the Ceilidh by the Loch, Saturday evening.
HEATHER
The Heather Patron's Package requires a minimum of $75 per individual or $150 per couple contribution to the Festival.
Heather Patron Benefits include:
1. One/Two Heather Nametags
2. One/Two Reservations at the Patrons’ Reception on Sept. 19th at the Dandridge First United Methodist Church.
IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO WRITE A CHECK, PLEASE SEND IT TO
The Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival, P.O. Box 1568, Dandridge, TN 37725
Honored Sponsors
No group is more important to this festival than our sponsors. Our festival is totally driven by our sponsors and contributing patrons, which allows us to offer free admission to the public. Thank you Sponsors!
Directions and Parking
From I-40, Exit 417 (middle left) or from I-40, Exit 24, on US25-W (far right)
Parking Locations in downtown Dandridge are shown below. Shuttle Bus will be available from two locations: A) First Baptist Church parking lot (upper left of map) and B) Large lot on Cherokee Drive at W. Main Street (far lower left) Handicap Parking will be available just west of the intersection of Highway 92 and Main Street, adjacent to the festival area on Main Street.
ale garden
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A Celtic Ale Garden has been included as an added dimension to our annual Scots-Irish Festival. Various ales from Iron Forge Brewing will be available. The Brewmaster is preparing a new Scotch Ale especially for the Scots-Irish Festival this year.
Each person of legal age will be able to purchase up to three ales during the day of the festival.
The Scots-Irish Ale Garden is located just a few steps from Main Street, and within view of the Highland Stage entertainment.
2023 Scots-Irish Festival
The 2023 Festival was a great success and enjoyed by all. The weather cooperated and folks congregated from all over the region to enjoy the activities. We shout out to our loyal Sponsors and Patrons who help us keep the Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival free for the community. We hope that you’ll join us for the next event on the last Saturday in September of 2024!
