September 10, 2025 at 8:40 a.m.
Wherever You Wander: 35th Annual Columbus Scottish Festival Opens at Fairgrounds 09/13
Thousands are anticipated to gather in celebration of all things Scottish as the 35th Annual Columbus Scottish Festival returns to the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds for two days this weekend.
No matter your interest, clan, or taste, this year’s festival has something for all as the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds, located at 750 W 200 S, Columbus.
Last year’s attendance was just under 4,000 for the two days, says Elizabeth Bostelman, Columbus Scottish Festival volunteer coordinator.
“I think people forget how big of a festival it is because we’ve been around so long,” Bostelman, says.
What's interesting, she adds, is many people come from outside of the county.
“We have our amazing highland games on Saturday,” Bostelman says. “That is always a great day to come out and watch guys and gals hurl very heavy things; we’ve got stone throwing – you name it they’ve got it going on.”
This year’s honored clan/society is Clan Gunn, whose motto is “Aut Pax, Aut Bellum” (Either Peace or War), originated from the northernmost mainland Scotland and enjoyed its heyday in the 13th century.
“We’ve got our clan row, you can go talk to the people in your clan or you can find out if you have a clan and what your tartan is,” Bostelman says. “Our clans are always excited to talk to people.”
There will be numerous Celtic and Scottish-themed vendors, she adds.
Performing this year’s entertainment are long-time festival favorite Highland Reign that brings a blend of bagpipes and guitars, Keltricity, a four-piece band performs traditional and eclectic Celtic music, and Kennedy’s Kitchen, known for its pub songs, sing-a-longs and original songs.
And fer the wee bairns, there’s a dedicated Children’s Area that will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and feature a variety of activities, including face painting, puppet show, bouncy castle, games and Scottish Princess Storytime at 1 p.m. Sunday. Note that all children MUST be accompanied by an adult while in the area, organizers say.
The festival's closing ceremonies will include the Drunk’n Piper Parade led by the Southern Indiana Pipes and Dreams around 3:45 p.m. and a “See you next year!”
Festival Admission at the gate for adults is $20 each day or $38 for both days; Family pass for two adults and three children is $45; Children ages 5 to 12 get in for $5 per day and kiddos 4 years old and under get in FREE.
