Dust off your kilts and get ready for a weekend full of pipes and drums as the Orillia Scottish Festival returns, July 19-21, 2024 at Couchiching Beach Park! In it’s 46th year, the festival is the city’s longest, continuously running festival, held on the third weekend of July, drawing bands from all over central Ontario.
The Orillia Scottish Festival was created in 1978, and was the vision of Duncan Fleming, who was Pipe Major of the Orillia pipe band. A true family event, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There is a sense of community with the people who travel in for the festival. “We hear stories of people returning as family tradition,” says festival co-chair Carrie Dunn, “they remember coming to the festival with their grandparents and are now bringing their children and grandchildren to experience it.”
Having the festival in Couchiching Park is a perfect venue – lots of room, the beach is right there for a quick dip in the lake and it’s on the bus route too!
What’s on for the 2024 Scottish Festival
The Friday night Ceilidh is always a huge hit and a great start to the weekend. Saturday, bring a chair, sunscreen, be sure to check out the vendors, with a wide variety of products to check out, and be sure you catch the performance of the massed bands! The afternoon ceilidh on Sunday is the perfect way to cap off the weekend – the performance by the Pipes and Drums of Canada is fantastic!
Ceilidh at the Legion
Friday, July 19th, 6:30-10pm:
Sponsored by Turf Tech/ Orillia Junior C Hockey Club
Featuring pipe band performance, dancing, entertainment by “Celtic Effect”.
Includes a late night lunch. This is a ticket event: $30.00
Festival Parade & Activities
Saturday, July 20th, 12:00pm
Parade at noon from Peter Street, down Mississaga Street to Couchiching Beach park for vendors, massed bands, children’s village, festival pub, entertainment by “Fiddlestix” and more!
Purchase a $3.00 festival button to support us returning in 2025!
Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan
Sunday, July 21st ,10am
Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan (Blessing of the Tartan) at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 99 Peter Street. A wonderful 10:00 am service to enjoy. All are welcome.
Ceilidh at the Legion
Sunday, July 21st, 1:00pm
Featuring the Pipes and Drums of Canada, Carl Stedmond singing the hits of Rod Stewart, sing song of Scottish songs and spontaneous participation. All are welcome to join.
Come enjoy the sights and sounds of Scottish traditions. Be sure to make a $3.00 donation (or more) for a festival button, to ensure a return for the 47th festival in 2025.
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The Orillia Scottish Festival is incredibly grateful for the continued sponsorship of The Dunkley Charitable Foundation, City of Orillia, Turf Tech/Orillia Junior C.
Extend Your Stay
Start planning your trip to the Orillia Scottish Festival this July! Book accommodations at one of the region’s resorts or hotels to make the most out of your time in Orillia & Lake Country.
Orillia is home to a variety of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in close proximity to waterfront views and lake country experiences. Enjoy wonderful hospitality during your stay, while exploring nearby shopping and dining hubs in the historic city.
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