FAQS

CelticFest Mississippi is a SMOKE FREE EVENT but everyone can come and go as they please with a wristband to get back in.

The Celtic Heritage Society (CHS) is a nonprofit organization run on 100% volunteer power. The CHS has no paid staff and money raised at CelticFest pays the costs incurred to organize the event.

How do you pronounce Celtic?
It’s a hard “C”, so KELL- tick is correct. The Romans identified the “Celtae” as one of the peoples they “conquered” in Gaul, and Romans pronounced hard “C”s.

What is CelticFest Mississippi and why do you do it?
CelticFest Mississippi is the main outgrowth of the Celtic Heritage Society’s mission to promote awareness and appreciation of the music, dance and culture of the Celtic Nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Cornwall, & Brittany. 

  • Origins & Tribes: Originating around the Alps, they spread through Europe, including modern-day Germany, France, Spain, and the British Isles. Major tribal groups included the Gauls, Celtiberians, Britons, Gaels, and Galatians.
  • Religion: Celtic religion was polytheistic, featuring over 300 gods and centered on nature worship. Many symbols and customs from the early Celts were absorbed into christianity as it spread across the region.
  • Languages: Celts spoke a family of related Indo-European languages, divided into Continental Celtic (like Gaulish, Celtiberian, Lepontic, now extinct) and Insular Celtic, which branched into Goidelic (Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Manx) and Brythonic (Welsh, Breton, Cornish). While there wasn’t one single Celtic tongue, these languages shared a common ancestor, and modern examples (Irish, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Breton, Cornish, Manx) are still spoken today, though some are endangered.  
  • Continental Celtic Languages (Mostly Extinct) were spoken across ancient Europe before being largely replaced by Latin after Roman conquest. 
    • Gaulish: Spoken across a vast area, from France (Gaul) to parts of Turkey.
    • Celtiberian: Spoken in ancient Spain (Iberian Peninsula).
    • Lepontic: Attested in Northern Italy and Switzerland.
    • Galatian: Spoken in ancient Galatia (modern Turkey).
  • Insular Celtic Languages which are still spoken today developed in the British Isles and Brittany. 
  • Cultural Traditions: The Celts were renowned for their art, utilizing intricate knotwork and metalwork. They wore colorful clothing (later tartan) that indicated social status, lived in tribal societies, and were known for being fearsome warriors.
  • History & Decline: First documented by Greeks around 540 B.C., they expanded during the Iron Age but saw their power decline following Roman conquests, such as Julius Caesar’s campaigns in Gaul. 

Should I bring the kids?
Absolutely! CelticFest Mississippi is a family-friendly event! Kids 13 and under are Free with Adults for the Regular Festival Friday Night, Saturday & Sunday. Demo Day is a separate ticketed Event Friday during the Day.

Can I bring my dog?

YES! Leashed Dogs with Well Behaved Owners (who immediately & thoroughly clean up after them) can enjoy CelticFest Mississippi! We can’t wait to see your Wolfhounds, Deerhounds & Scotties! And other furry friends too. We reserve the right to eject any owner who is being a bad!

Can I bring in a Purse or Backpack?

Yes but subject to search.

Do we bring chairs or blankets?
All of the stages have chairs but you’re welcome to bring your own chairs & blankets. There are many open areas to spread out!

What about food?

No Outside Food or Drinks. We’ll have multiple Food Merchants onsite but we also allow you to leave and come back. Just get a wristband at the gate when you leave.

Is CelticFest wheelchair accessible? How about stroller-friendly?
The grounds are paved and are wheelchair accessible, have accessible bathrooms and 6 ADA parking spots inside the Gate with an additional several outside the gate in front of the Tennis Courts. There is no Shuttle and it is a fairly large area.

What types of Payment do you take?
The Festival accepts Cash or Card at Admission, Merchandise Booth & Beer Stations. Most Merchants take credit card payments .

WE MAY NOT HAVE AN ATM so you should also have CASH just in case a Merchant doesn’t accept cards. We try to get one but sometimes it’s not possible.

Can I take pictures or video?
To your heart’s content! Please tag @CelticFestMS when you post on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. We love seeing you have a great time!

Will there be any Security on site?
Yes. In addition to Reservoir Police and Brandon Police and Festival Staff on site overnight we will have a private security company in the parking lot. There will be NO illegal shenanigans at CelticFest. It is a very safe area!

What about Lost and Found?
If you have lost or found a child or personal property, please head for the CelticFest Merchandise Booth near the Water’s Edge Main Stage. We will do our best to reunite people and property.

Where can I park?

There is a large grass area for parking. We will have professional security in the lot to assist with parking cars and keeping everyone safe. Overflow parking will be at Pelahatchie Park but you’ll be hoofing it over to Lakeshore Park. Carpooling and RideSharing is HIGHLY encouraged. ADA Parking will be available in a designated paved lot near the main gate with a Valid Placard/License Plate. Like all festivals there is some walking but the view is beautiful the whole way!

If I come in from out of town, where should I stay?
See HOTEL & ACCOMMODATIONS page.

What if it rains? CelticFest is a festival so it’s outdoors, right?
CelticFest goes on RAIN OR SHINE!!!  There are plenty of areas that are under cover including all of the stages and as the great Scottish comedian Billy Connolly says, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Wear your wellies and rain jacket and enjoy the day!

I’d like to be a Merchant. How do I do that?
Check out our MERCHANT REGISTRATION page.  Everything you need to know including is available there.

What about Scottish Clans?

SCOTTISH CLAN REGISTRATION

It is FREE to set up a Clan Booth and includes free admission for up to 4 members.

Find YOUR Clan at Scotclans.com

I want to be a performer. How do I submit my band for consideration?

SUBMISSIONS CLOSED FOR 2026

Are you in a Traditional Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Breton, Manx, Cornish band or dance group? Sorry, No solo performers (unless you’re Christy Moore or Paul Brady!)

We ONLY hire top notch, established Traditional Celtic Bands and Dancers. This excludes Celtic Rock, Pop, Appalachian, Country or other Folk genres, Drinking Songs, Ren Faire performers etc. It’s just not what we do.

How do I contact the Festival?

Use the GOT QUESTIONS? CONTACT US link from the Main Menu