Help Keep Tucson's Celtic Traditions Alive

Tucson Celtic Festival Association is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage, customs, and traditions of Celtic peoples—Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and British—within the Tucson community.

The Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games serves as a cultural touchstone, fostering a vibrant gathering place where the community can experience Celtic culture through music, dance, athletics, food, arts, language, and history. Each year, over 5,000 attendees come together at Rillito Raceway Park to connect with Celtic traditions and celebrate cultural diversity. The 39th Annual Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games is scheduled for October 24-26, 2025. As we prepare for this cherished celebration of our shared heritage, we find ourselves facing unprecedented challenges.

As you may be aware, Celtic festivals nationwide have experienced difficult circumstances this year. Our festival is not alone. Last year, we had an unprecedented drop in admissions due to torrential rain on Sunday; overall costs were at an all-time high, while community sponsorship was at an all-time low. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to hosting the games and festivities that have become a treasured tradition in our community. However, we currently face a significant funding gap of $10,000 before we can open our gates this year.

We need your support! We are reaching out to you, our community, to help us bridge this financial gap. Your contribution before July 1st will be instrumental in ensuring the continuation of this beloved tradition for its 39th year. Your contribution will be used to pay necessary pre-festival expenses including rental of the facility, sanitation, and rental equipment to make this tradition possible. Any contribution, regardless of size, will help us reach our goal and continue this important cultural celebration. Your generosity will directly support the preservation and sharing of our Celtic heritage with future generations.

Thank you for your consideration and ongoing support. Together, we can ensure that the pipes continue to play, the dancers keep dancing, and the Highland athletes keep throwing for the 39th Annual Tucson Celtic Festival!

A Note From Chief Richard McBain of McBain, 23rd Hereditary Chief of Clan MacBean

For over 40 years, the Tucson Highland Games have been a cornerstone of our community's cultural calendar. My father, James McBain—the 22nd hereditary Chief of Clan MacBean—and I have opened every single Games since the beginning. These aren’t just events; they’re part of a living tapestry of tradition. My grandfather, Hughston McBain, reclaimed the chiefship of Clan MacBean after more than 200 years without a chief, and the Games here in Tucson have carried that legacy forward.

Now, in 2025, we are asking the community to step up and protect this tradition. If you’ve marched with your clan, danced to the pipes, or simply felt connected to your heritage under the Arizona sun—please consider donating. This is your moment to help save the Games.