For many in Orillia, the first notes of a bagpipe signal more than just music—they announce a gathering where tradition and togetherness take centre stage.
The Orillia Scottish Festival, now in its forty-seventh year, stands as the city’s oldest uninterrupted celebration, weaving the sounds of Scotland through the Sunshine City each summer. At heart, this festival is about community: generations meet to get their fill of bagpipe music, reconnect with heritage, and share in something unmistakably special.
Originating as a tribute to local Scottish roots, the event has widened its embrace. Visitors encounter terms like “Ceilidh”—a boisterous social dance party—or “Kirkin’ O the Tartan,” a Sunday service blessing family tartans, all set against the lively backdrop of Couchiching Beach Park. Here, the scope extends well beyond ancestry: residents and newcomers alike are invited to join the celebration.
Festival activities unfold across three main pillars. First and foremost is music, with bands and soloists filling the park with unmistakable pipes and drums. The massed band event, a highlight for many, underscores the festival’s mission: making Scottish music accessible for all. This year, a new duet competition for emerging pipers and drummers, sponsored by the Ontario Fire Service Pipes and Drums, brings fresh excitement and opportunity.
Community forms the second pillar. Organizers, supported by local sponsors and dedicated volunteers, work tirelessly year-round. As co-chair Carrie Dunn notes, “This event does not happen without volunteers,” underscoring the shared effort behind every festivity, vendor, and activity. The festival’s intergenerational appeal is clear, as attendees often recount family stories spanning decades.
The traditions themselves create the third pillar: the parade, dancers, food, regimental reenactments, and convivial beer tent all invite participants to step into Scottish culture, if only for a day. The event’s accessible pricing and public shuttle service ensure everyone is welcome.
Though some may believe the celebration is reserved for those with Scottish lineage, the festival’s enduring popularity proves otherwise. It is, at its core, Orillia’s invitation to get your fill of bagpipe music and join a living tradition—one that continues to shape the city’s identity, one note at a time.
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Popular Orillia festival set to celebrate all things Scottish
