Celtic Fest 2025

The Kiroli Foundation is excited to announce the annual Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival (NELA Celtic Fest) will take place on Saturday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lazarre Park (703 Riverfront Street). Admission for this family-friendly event is $5 per person and free for children 10 and under. Attendees will enjoy live music, the Highland Games, food trucks, and demonstrations. Numerous artists, crafters and food vendors will be selling Celtic-themed and handmade items. 
  
The NELA Celtic Fest is the longest-running festival still in existence in Ouachita Parish. The festival seeks to preserve the rich Celtic heritage, traditions, and lore of Northeast Louisiana.  
  
The Highland Games will be returning this year, thanks to sponsor Century Next Bank. This highly entertaining athletic tradition is over 1,000 years old and is rooted in the Gaelic spirit. Professional athletes will travel from all over the country to compete in six disciplines: The Caber Toss, Weights for Distance, Weights for Height, Heavy Hammer, Stone Put, and Sheaf Toss. This year, Olympic Athlete Nick Ponzio will be participating in the games. 
  
The games are also open to amateurs. Individuals who excel in powerlifting, CrossFit, or other athletic disciplines are all encouraged to compete. Backyard Rebellion, the Highland Games organization overseeing the games, will be providing free demonstrations during the competition. There is a $30 registration fee which includes a free on-site mini-coaching session. Registration information can be found on backyardrebellion.com 
  
The festival will feature various performances including Whisht Irish band, the Thistle Dancers and Pipers, Red River Pipes & Drums, Crescent and Clover, Dead Reckoning String Band, and more. 
  
The Children’s Glen, sponsored by Melanie Massey Physical Therapy and MoJoy Studio, will feature children’s activities throughout the day including the highland cows, a hay fort, the zoo crew, face painting, jumpers, and special performances. The area will also include youth Highland Games organized by New Iona Presbyterian Church.  
  
Flying Heart Brewing and Pub will be selling various beers on-tap (for attendees 21 years old and older with an ID) as well as special Celtic-themed food menu items. 
 
For more information about the festival or for a schedule of performances, please visit the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NELACelticFest