The Celtic Cultural Alliance (CCA) has announced the 2026 Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival, Sept. 25–27 in historic downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, marking its 39th annual edition.
According to a news release, several annual contests at the Celtic Classic will allow everyone to participate in activities celebrating Celtic heritage.
The Irish Soda Bread Muffin Baking Contest, sponsored by King Arthur Baking Company, features gluten-free and children’s categories.The Celtic Poetry Contest invites writers of all ages to submit works reflecting the culture of the seven Celtic nations through traditions, arts, history, and literature.Haggis Bowl 2026 invites 15 competitors to race in eating a pound of haggis, a crowd favorite.
Founded in 1988, the CCA promotes Celtic culture year-round and provides scholarships in education, the arts, music, literature, dance, and history. These scholarships can be applied to Irish step dance, Highland dance, fiddle, and bagpipes.
The Celtic Classic attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year and includes educational outreach throughout the year across Lehigh Valley schools and institutions.