Royal courts were once the social and political centers of a kingdom. They were places where nobles, clan leaders, ambassadors, petitioners, musicians, storytellers, and honored guests gathered before the monarch to exchange news, seek favor, settle disputes, celebrate achievements, and strengthen alliances.

Much of what shaped a kingdom did not happen on a battlefield. It happened in conversation — through reports brought from distant lands, grievances presented before the crown, stories told to entertain the court, and relationships built around shared tables.

Tarts & Tea with Royalty brings that spirit to life at the Yosemite Celtic Festival.

During this interactive experience, guests are welcomed into the Royal Court of King James VI, where clans may come forward to report on the affairs of their lands, share triumphs and troubles, speak of neighboring clans, offer news from the realm, and attempt to win the favor of their king. The result is part history, part theater, part storytelling, and part wonderfully unpredictable audience participation.

Tea and tarts are served while the court unfolds around you, creating an atmosphere that feels less like watching a performance and more like being invited into one. Live entertainment, humor, ceremony, and spontaneous exchanges with the King make every gathering a little different.

The experience also reflects an important part of Celtic tradition: stories are meant to be shared. For generations, history, identity, humor, family memory, and community news were carried from person to person through conversation, song, storytelling, and gatherings around a table. Tarts & Tea with Royalty celebrates that same idea by inviting guests and clans to become participants in the story rather than simply spectators.

Guests who wish to add to the pageantry are warmly invited to come dressed for court. Royal, Renaissance, clan, tartan, and Celtic-inspired attire are all welcome, but never required.

Sponsored by Yosemite Pie Company, Tarts & Tea with Royalty is an afternoon of hospitality, storytelling, laughter, and a little royal mischief — where the tea is poured, the tarts are served, and the business of the realm is never entirely predictable.