Plan Your Visit

The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering takes place outdoors at the historic Daly Mansion in Hamilton, Montana, with the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains as a backdrop. Use this page to plan your weekend—how to get there, where to park, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time.

Hours & Daily Events

The Games are always held on the third full weekend of August at the Daly Mansion grounds.

  • Saturday: Gates open at 9:00 am; events typically run until 7:00 pm, followed by an evening ceilidh or extended music in many years. Free admission after 7pm.
  • Sunday: Gates open at 9:00 am; events wrap up around 4:00 pm.

Full daily schedules, including specific performance times and competitions, are posted each year on the Tickets & Schedule page.

Location & Venue

Daly Mansion
251 Eastside Hwy
Hamilton, MT 59840

Parking & Free Shuttle

Parking along Eastside Highway is prohibited during the event, and vehicles parked in posted “No Parking” areas may be ticketed or towed by law enforcement.

Because on-site parking at the mansion is limited, guests are strongly encouraged not to rely on the mansion lot. Instead, the Bitterroot Celtic Society provides:

  • Free parking at Hamilton High School
  • Free shuttle service running continuously between the high school and the Daly Mansion, with overflow service from the Ravalli County Fairgrounds if needed

A drop-off area near the main entrance makes it easy to drop passengers before heading to the high school or overflow lots.

Dedicated accessible parking is available in the mansion lot for vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard. Parking and shuttles are free; voluntary donations help cover transportation costs.

What to Bring

The Games take place on grass and open lawn. For comfort, many visitors bring:

  • A folding chair or blanket
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • A light jacket or layers for changing mountain weather
  • Comfortable shoes suitable for uneven ground
  • Water bottles (it is a hot summer in Montana!)

Cooler and outside food policies may vary; check the current year’s ticket and website information before packing.

Families, Accessibility & Pets

The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering is a family-friendly event with kids’ athletics, activity areas, demonstrations, and plenty for all ages to enjoy. Children 11 and under receive free admission with a paid adult, thanks to Farmers State Bank.

Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Daly Mansion grounds for this event. Please leave pets at home.

Accessible parking, restrooms, and relatively level lawn areas make the event approachable for many mobility levels, but some surfaces are still natural and uneven. Guests with specific accessibility questions are encouraged to contact the organizers in advance.

Making a Weekend of It

Hamilton sits in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, with nearby lodging, restaurants, and outdoor recreation. Many visitors pair the Games with exploring local trails, the river, and downtown Hamilton events such as Daly Days and other summer festivals.

For current ticket details, hours, and any last-minute updates, always check the Tickets & Schedule and Events & Calendar pages before you go.

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