Fall meets Celtic heritage in the Sierra foothills!
Join host Charlie Pankey as he welcomes Kimberly Vaughan, director of the first-ever Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games, coming to Oakhurst, California, on November 1–2, 2025.
Together, they explore what makes this new cultural celebration such a unique addition to Yosemite’s southern gateway — from Highland athletic competitions and Celtic music to living history, family-friendly fun, and the incredible community spirit that brings it all together.
Kimberly shares how Oakhurst’s creative energy and local pride helped launch this event, plus insider tips for visiting Bass Lake, Wawona, and Yosemite National Park during one of the most beautiful times of the year.
🎟️ Learn more at YosemiteCelticFestival.com
📍 Event Dates: November 1–2, 2025
📍 Location: Oakhurst Community Center
In This Episode:
What inspired the Yosemite Celtic Festival
The story behind the Highland Games in the Sierra
Family-friendly activities, music, and cultural experiences
Fall travel tips for Oakhurst and Yosemite
How local festivals strengthen Sierra communities
🎙 Also available on:
▶️ YouTube & 🍏 Apple Podcasts
Plan Your Trip to Oakhurst and Yosemite This Fall
Visitors coming for the Celtic Festival will find plenty to explore in and around Oakhurst — from Bass Lake to Wawona, and up into Yosemite National Park itself.
Festival events will be held at the Oakhurst Community Center, with easy access from Highway 41 and shuttle service via the Visit Yosemite Madera County Trolley and Bass Lake Shuttle.
Local hotels are offering discounted rates for festival weekend, and nearby lodging ranges from rustic cabins to lakeside resorts. For those who prefer to camp or RV, both Bass Lake and Sierra National Forest provide scenic options close to the festival grounds.
Don’t forget to stop by the Visit Yosemite Madera County Visitor Center on Halloween night for the Oakhurst Scavenger Hunt, a community-wide event with prizes and family fun leading into festival weekend.
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