Yachats Celtic Fest Puts Oregon Coast Firmly on Course for Irish, Scottish Vibes

Published 11/05/2026 at 8:58 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Yachats, Oregon) – A sizable Oregon coast tradition returns this month: the 25th annual Yachats Celtic Music Festival happens, Friday – Sunday, November 13, 14, and 15. (Above: Solas)

As the old song says: “Where the sound of the piper counts for everything.” That “where” this month will be little Yachats. Indeed, two days of the fest end with a piper at sunset.

The three-day event brings together internationally known Celtic performers, workshops, dancing, yummy treats, vendors and special events throughout Yachats. Festival activities will be centered at the Yachats Commons, with additional performances and gatherings at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, Lions Club and the historic Little Log Church.

Organizers say the festival fuses world-class traditional and contemporary Celtic music with the scenic backdrop of the central Oregon coast, offering both free and ticketed events throughout this gloriously Gaelic weekend.

Headlining this year's festival is Solas, the influential Irish-American group that has been a good-sized force in traditional Irish music since its formation in New York City in 1995. Known for its musicianship and innovative approach to traditional music, the band has released more than a dozen acclaimed albums and toured extensively around the world.

Yachats' piper at the gates of dusk (to paraphrase another song)

Also featured are Oregon-based multi-instrumentalists Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter, who perform on Celtic harps, Swedish nyckelharpa, Ukrainian bandura, bouzouki and other instruments. The duo has built a successful international touring career and collectively sold more than a million albums.

Scottish-rooted folk group Dallahan returns with its blend of traditional and contemporary influences. The internationally touring ensemble is known for high-energy performances and instrumental virtuosity.

Another festival favorite, Piper on the Point, will once again feature Marco Caturegli, Pipe Major with the Eugene Highlanders. The sunset performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings at Yachats State Park.

"This Yachats tradition blends the majesty of a seaside sunset with the magic of the bagpipes on the observation deck at the Yachats State Park on the west end of town," festival organizers said.

Additional performers include Québec traditional music trio É.T.É., Irish musicians Caroline Keane and Tom Delany, acclaimed Scottish harpist Rachel Clemente, genre-blending Celtic ensemble Cantrip, Irish traditional group Biddy on the Bench and storyteller-musician Kevin Carr.

Near Yachats: moon, ambient lamps and blue hour

Beyond the tasty shows, festival-goers can participate in a variety of workshops and community events. Céilí dance workshops led by Elisa Chandler will introduce participants to traditional Irish social dancing and Scottish party dances. Free whistle workshops will be offered by Rob Gandara of Carbony Celtic Winds.

Food and refreshments will also be available throughout the weekend at the Yachats Commons Celtic Kitchen, operated by The Drift Inn Cafe. Service runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Most festival events take place at the Yachats Commons. A complete event schedule, ticket information and festival details are available at YachatsCelticMusicFestival.org.

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