CELTIC FOLK • IRISH & SCOTTISH TRADITIONS

For more than four decades, Golden Bough has brought the music of Ireland and Scotland to audiences across the U.S. and Europe. Rich vocals, Celtic harp, fiddle, guitar, whistles and more come together in a warm, timeless celebration of traditional Celtic music.

SEE THEM LIVE

Saturday • 11:15 AM–12:15 PM • Sequoia Stage

IRISH ROOTS • FOLK • MODERN TWIST

Celtic Alchemy serves up Irish music with a twist, blending traditional roots with blues, country, classic rock and contemporary favorites. Guitar, mandolin, banjo, percussion and layered harmonies create an energetic, crowd-friendly sound made for a festival afternoon. 

SEE THEM LIVE

Saturday • 2:30 PM–3:45 PM • Sequoia Stage

BAGPIPES • DRUMS • SCOTTISH TRADITION

Few sounds announce a Celtic festival quite like pipes and drums. Fresno Stag & Thistle brings the stirring sound and pageantry of Scottish piping to the Yosemite Highlands, carrying a centuries-old musical tradition into the heart of the festival.

SEE THEM LIVE

Saturday Only • Opening Ceremony

UKULELES • HARMONY • COMMUNITY

The Mariposa Ukulele Ensemble brings together an exuberant community of musicians for music that's joyful, familiar and made for sharing. Their lively ensemble delivers plenty of smiles, sing-along spirit and hometown charm.

SEE THEM LIVE

Sunday • 2:30 PM–3:30 PM • Sequoia Stage

SAILOR SONGS • FOLK MUSIC • STORYTELLING

Set sail for songs of the sea, folk favorites and plenty of good cheer with Gail & Captain Dan. Their lighthearted performances bring the spirit of old-time musical storytelling to the festival, with tunes made for listening, laughing and perhaps even singing along.

SEE THEM LIVE

Sunday • 12:30 PM–1:20 PM • John Muir Stage

VIOLIN • YOUNG ARTIST • LOCAL TALENT

Young Oakhurst violinist Ariel Barker brings energy, emotion and a modern spark to the violin. Inspired by violinist Lindsey Stirling, Ariel represents some of the remarkable young musical talent growing right here in the Yosemite Highlands.

SEE ARIEL LIVE

Saturday • 3:00 PM–4:00 PM • John Muir Stage

The unmistakable sound of the Great Highland bagpipe comes alive with solo piper Rees Parker. Look—and listen—for Rees throughout the festival as he brings the power, precision and tradition of Scottish piping to ceremonies, royal gatherings and unexpected moments around the grounds.

SEE REES LIVE

Opening Ceremony • Special Appearances

STAND-UP COMEDY • YOUNG TALENT

Ready for a laugh? Local comedian Hudson Vaughan brings a fresh young perspective and quick wit to the festival stage. Settle in for a lighthearted break from your Highland adventures and discover one of the area's emerging young performers.

SEE HIM LIVE

Saturday • 12:45 PM–12:55 PM • John Muir Stage

HIGHLAND DANCE • SCOTTISH TRADITION

Precision, strength and centuries of Scottish tradition come together in Highland dance. Watch intricate footwork, soaring movement and remarkable athleticism bring another piece of Highland culture to life.

SEE THEM LIVE

Saturday 12:00 PM - 12:30  PM • John Muir Stage

THEATRICAL COMEDY • ACROBATICS • CIRCUS

Physical comedy, acrobatics, circus skills and theatrical storytelling collide in wonderfully unexpected performances created for the whole family.

SEE THEM LIVE

Saturday • 1:25 PM - 1:55 PM • John Muir Stage

Madera vs. Mariposa ~ Choose Your Champion

The title is on the line! 2025 Pie Champion and Madera County District 5 Supervisor Bobby Macaulay returns to defend his crown against challenger Mariposa County District 4 Supervisor Jenni Kiser.



Armed with mini pies, boxing gloves and wooden spoons, they'll have just three minutes to prove which county deserves the glory. Frank Bigelow will judge the showdown—but you get to decide who you're cheering for.

Two counties. Three minutes. One Pie Champion

Sunday • 2:00 PM–2:20 PM • John Muir Stage

BEARDS • MUSTACHES • BRAGGING RIGHTS

Magnificent mustaches. Glorious beards. Serious dedication. Cheer on some impressive facial hair as competitors take the stage for the Yosemite Beard & Mustache Championship—all while helping support Caring Veterans of America.

SEE IT LIVE

Saturday 2:00 PM - 3:00  PM • John Muir Stage

YOUNG PERFORMERS • THEATRE • LOCAL TALENT

The next generation takes the stage! Young performers from Golden Chain Theatre's School of Performing Arts bring energy, creativity and a love of live performance to the festival in a special showcase of local talent.

SEE THEM LIVE

Saturday • 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM • John Muir Stage