Get Involved Contact Registration FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering, how tickets work, or what to bring to the Daly Mansion? This FAQ covers the most common questions about the festival, Highland games, clans, and year-round events hosted by the Bitterroot Celtic Society.

Topics

General
Tickets & Money
Getting There
Families, Pets & Accessibility
Competitors & Performers
Clans & Heritage
Volunteers, Vendors, Sponsor, Donors
Year-Round Society Events

General Festival Information

What is the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering?

The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering is a two-day Celtic festival held each summer on the grounds of the historic Daly Mansion in Hamilton, Montana. The event features traditional Highland Games, Highland and Irish dance, pipe and drum performances, clan tents, vendors, food, drink, live entertainment, and family activities. → See: Home, Festival Highlights & Competitions

Where is the festival held?

The festival is held outdoors on the lawn of the Daly Mansion, just outside Hamilton in the Bitterroot Valley. The full address and map are listed on the Plan Your Visit page.

→ See: Plan Your Visit

When does the festival take place?

The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering is held every 3rd weekend in August. Dates and hours for each year are listed on the Tickets & Schedule page and in the Events & Calendar section. → See: Tickets & Schedule, Events & Calendar

Is the festival held rain or shine?

YES. The Games & Gathering is a rain-or-shine event. Weather in western Montana can change quickly, so plan for sun, wind, and the possibility of rain. → See: Plan Your Visit

Tickets & Money

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Advance tickets are recommended, especially if you plan to attend special tastings or Sunday Tea, which often sell out. General Admission tickets are available both days at the gate. → See: Tickets & Schedule

Are tickets good for one day or the whole weekend?

Ticket options include single-day and weekend passes. Details for the current year’s ticket types and pricing are listed on the Tickets & Schedule page. → See: Tickets & Schedule

Are Sunday Tea and tastings included with general admission?

NO. Sunday Tea and the various tasting events (such as Scotch, Irish whiskey, or mead tastings) require separate tickets in addition to general admission. → See: Tickets & Schedule, Events & Calendar

What forms of payment are accepted?

Credit/debit cards and cash are accepted at the gate and by many vendors. ATMs are also available. Specific details for the current year will be listed on the Tickets & Schedule page closer to the event dates. → See: Tickets & Schedule

Are tickets refundable if I can’t attend?

Prior to Aug 1st, all refund requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis. No refunds after Aug 1st. Please remember this is a non-profit, all volunteer ran event, and we relay on ticket numbers and sales to plan the event. → See: Tickets & Schedule

Getting There

Where do I park?

Parking is available near the Daly Mansion, with signs and volunteers directing traffic. Details about parking areas, shuttle options are outlined on the Plan Your Visit page. → See: Plan Your Visit

Is there accessible parking?

YES. Designated accessible parking is provided as close to the festival entrance as possible. Visitors who require accessible parking should follow posted signs and directions from parking volunteers. → See: Plan Your Visit

Can I leave and come back the same day?

YES. Same-day re-entry is allowed with a valid wristband or hand stamp. → See: Tickets & Schedule

What should I bring with me?

Many visitors bring folding chairs or a blanket, water bottle, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a light jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. The event is on grass, so footwear that works well on uneven ground is recommended. → See: Plan Your Visit

Are outside food and drinks allowed?

YES. Water bottles are encouraged, however, there can be no outside alcohol. → See: Plan Your Visit

Competitors & Performers

How do I register to compete in the Highland Games?

Registration information for Highland Games competitors, including divisions, events, and entry forms, is posted each year on the Festival Highlights & Competitions page and in the relevant listing on the Events & Calendar page. → See: Festival Highlights & Competitions, Events & Calendar

How do dancers participate in the Highland or Irish dance demonstrations?

Dancers can complete a registration form or via their teachers, with details published ahead of time. Information for Highland and Irish dance demonstrations & performances are listed on Festival Highlights & Competitions and tied to the dance events in Events & Calendar. → See: Festival Highlights & Competitions, Events & Calendar

How can my band perform at the Games?

Pipe bands, folk groups, and other performers can inquire about performing at future Games through the Get Involved page or the contact form. Entertainment lineups are confirmed and posted closer to the event dates. → See: Get Involved, Festival Highlights & Competitions, Contact

Clans & Heritage

How can my clan host a tent at the festival?

Clan are welcome to host tents at the Games. Information about space, fees (if any), and what to bring is outlined on the Clans & Heritage page. A contact link or form for clan coordinators is provided there. → See: Clans & Heritage

What is the Honored Clan?

Each year, the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering recognizes an Honored Clan for its history or contributions to the festival. The current year’s Honored Clan is featured on the Clans & Heritage page, along with a brief archive of past honorees. → See: Clans & Heritage

What does “Flowers of the Forest” mean?

“Flowers of the Forest” is a traditional Scottish lament and, at the Games, it serves as a way to remember friends and family who have passed. The Clans & Heritage page includes more information about this tradition and how names are submitted. → See: Clans & Heritage

Volunteers, Vendors, Sponsors, Donors

How do I sign up to volunteer?

The Games rely on volunteers for everything from parking and gates to hospitality and setup. A list of volunteer roles and a sign-up form are available on the Get Involved page. → See: Get Involved

How do I apply to be a vendor?

Vendors offering Celtic goods, food, beverages, or local crafts can apply through the vendor section on the Get Involved page. Application forms and deadlines are posted there, along with basic requirements. → See: Get Involved

How can my business sponsor the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering?

Sponsorship helps keep the Games and other Celtic events going each year. The Get Involved page outlines sponsorship levels, advertising opportunities, and how to request a sponsor packet. → See: Get Involved

Can I make a tax-deductible donation?

YES. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a non-profit organization. Donations help support the Games & Gathering and other cultural events throughout the year. Donation information and links are available on the Get Involved and About pages. → See: Get Involved, About the Bitterroot Celtic Society

Year-Round Society Events

Do you host events besides the summer Games?

YES. The Bitterroot Celtic Society organizes events such as Burns Night dinners, St. Andrew’s gatherings, and St. Patrick’s celebrations, along with other cultural programs. These events are listed in the Events & Calendar section as they are scheduled. → See: Events & Calendar, About the Bitterroot Celtic Society

How can I stay informed about upcoming events?

The best way is to check the Events & Calendar page regularly. Updates may also be posted on social media and in local community listings. → See: Events & Calendar, Contact

Contact Us

Question regarding our events? Get in touch now.

Give us a call at 406.274.8886

Stop by our monthly meeting on the 3rd Thursday, at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton
Kids 11 and under are free at the Games with paid adult admission to the Games thanks to the generous support of