Ceilidh – Highland Games

2026 CÈILIDH & GAMES ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULES

What’s a Cèilidh, you ask?!

A cèilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering featuring folk music, storytelling, and lively participatory dancing. Originating from Gaelic culture, these events are popular at weddings, celebrations, and community gatherings, often involving dancing in lines or circles.

Friday Night Cèilidh entertainment Schedule

July 31st – Friday night only

4:30 pm – Cèilidh gates open!

5:00 pm – Wakefire

5:50 pm – Opening Remarks

6:00 pm – Ironwood

7:00 pm – The Kreellers

8:00 pm – Pictus

9:00 pm – Stone Clover

10:00 pm – Celtica Nova

Drive home safely and get some rest before Saturday’s events!

Saturday Highland Games Entertainment Schedule

Saturday, August 1st

10:00 am – Wakefire

11:00 am – Ironwood

12:00 pm – Opening Ceremony on the main field

1:00 pm – The Kreellers

2:00 pm – Stone Clover

3:00 pm – Pictus

4:00 pm – Celtica Nova

5:00 pm – Closing Ceremony on the main field

5:45 pm – Pipe Down

Tickets for both the Cèilidh and the Games are available for purchase at the gate or online using one of these links:

** Drink tickets available for purchase inside the Johnnie Walker Entertainment Tent. **

Meet the Music Behind the Magic

The pipes are calling and the party is on! This year’s Cèilidh and Games entertainment lineup features an exciting blend of fresh new acts and returning favorites that keep the spirit of the Highlands alive. Learn more about the performers below.
With entertainment proudly sponsored by Johnnie Walker, there’s no better place to enjoy great music, good company, and a dram or two. Stop by the drink ticket table (by the entertainment tent) then grab your drink and join the cheer!

Celtica Nova

The majestic sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe blends with a powerful band, the masterfully played violin expands the unique style with symphonic-epic melodies. Influences of Irish Folk and Scottish tradition merge with the energetic Celtic music. This sound, as international as the musicians - hailing from Scotland, USA, Bulgaria and Austria - and the spectacular show guarantee a concert no one will ever forget.

Learn more about Celtica Nova

Headline Act

Wakefire

Wakefire is a dynamic Celtic rock band hailing from southeastern Michigan, blending the rich traditions of Celtic music with the raw energy of rock and roll. Their unique sound, characterized by powerful vocals, intricate instrumentals, and an electrifying stage presence, has captivated audiences far and wide. Wakefire's music is an exhilarating journey through time, where the ancient melodies of the Celtic lands meet the modern beats of rock, creating a soundscape that is both timeless and contemporary.

Learn more about Wakefire

The Kreellers

The Kreellers are a Celtic roots rock band out of the Motor City, blending Irish tradition with a gritty Detroit edge. Fueled by driving rhythms, rich melodies, and a modern folk-rock sound, they deliver a powerful live experience built for festival stages and concert crowds. From reimagined classics to original tunes, The Kreellers bring a bold, authentic sound that stands out wherever they play. “There’s an element of spontaneity at festivals—we really engage the crowd. It’s fun that we don’t ever play the same stuff twice when we do the gigs. People love it and we love it.” ~ Paul Wikarski

Learn more about The Kreellers

Ironwood

Ironwood band is a husband & wife, acoustic duo, from Holly MI. Ironwood is heavily inspired by Celtic and American folk music. Anna sings, and plays fiddle & mandolin, while Mark rocks the acoustic guitar, and electric bass. Together they perform original songs as well as traditional Irish and American Folk. Their recorded songs and live performances are full of energy and fun. This folkin’ band will have you on your feet!

Learn more about Ironwood

Stone Clover

Stone Clover is a high energy rock and roll band formed in Detroit, Michigan, that utilizes influences from both the Motor City rock and folk scenes. The band uses modern sound with traditional instruments to push musical boundaries into a heavier and more singular style. Years of packing clubs and winning over festival crowds has helped them to forge a new genre called “Paddy Swag”.

Learn more about Stone Clover

Pictus

Pictus has been thrilling audiences all over the country with their unique take on primal drums & bagpipes. You can feel the thunder of the war drums and hear the call of the great Highland bagpipes and let the music lift your spirits, stir your soul and speak to the voice of your ancestors. But Pictus is not simply a “bagpipe and drum band” for there are stories, tales and jokes to be told by Oengus Mac Og, the drummer & voice of Pictus. There is Irish and Scottish Highland dance provided by the energetic and beautiful Ceilidh Shillelagh.

Learn more about Pictus

Click on an image below to learn more about each band

Raise a dram and join the celebration! This year’s Cèilidh and Entertainment Tent is proudly sponsored by Johnnie Walker – the world’s number one Scotch whisky – and Diageo, the global distributor behind this iconic spirit.

Questions about the Cèilidh?

Contact our Cèilidh Chair at: ceilidh@detroitscots.com