Beltane Festivals to Visit

Beltane Fire Festival – Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland

Every year on April 30th

Organized and run by the Beltane Fire Society, the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh is an annual Beltane celebration that has occurred since 1988. The Fire Society hosts several events now, including a Samhain Fire Festival, but its roots are in the reawakening of the Beltane festival. The fire is lit at sundown, and the festival commences.

The Beltane Fire Festival is a procession on Calton Hill, starting at the National Monument (also known as the Acropolis). The procession is driven by beating drums, which lead it counter-clockwise on the path around the hill. As the processional, led by the May Queen and the Green Man, makes its steady march towards summer, it encounters various groups and activities. Some help, some hinder. All help to tell the tale of Beltane and lead the May Queen and Green man to their fates.

The Beltane Fire Society holds the Beltane Fire Festival at sundown on April 30th each year, regardless of the day of the week (Beltane is traditionally celebrated from sundown on the 30th to sundown on the 1st, though that has changed some in modern practice). There is no overnight portion of this festival, so it does have an end time on the night. You can learn more and buy tickets through the Beltane Fire Society.

Bealtaine Fire Festival – Hill of Uisneach, Loughnavalley, Ireland

Annually, date varies – 2023 date: May 6th

Considered by many as the sacred center of Ireland, the Hill of Uisneach hosts an annual Beltane festival. Uisneach is thought to be the burial ground for both Ériu (for whom Ireland is named) and Lugh. It is said that Uisneach was the meeting place for the four provinces and where the Gaels first encountered Ériu. Lugh is believed to have met his end in the lake near the hill.

This historic area is now on the land of a working farm. You can buy a ticket for the festival for Beltane or come another day and take a guided tour.

There is, of course, the traditional lighting of the Bealtaine fire at sundown, but there is a lot to do at this festival. Some activities include:

-Traditional and craft workshops

-Yoga, meditation, healing, and mindfulness sessions

-Vendor stalls

-Art installations

-Games

-Demonstrations

-Music

Adults and children are welcome. You can learn more and buy tickets through Hill of Uisneach. The Bealtaine Fire Festival is also a part of some week-long tours of Ireland if you’re looking for a longer holiday on the Emerald Isle.

Beltane at Thornborough Henges – Thornborough, England

Annually, dates vary – 2023 dates: April 28—May 1

Thornborough is home to prehistoric henges and has long been a draw for Pagans. The three circular henges appear to align with the three stars of Orion’s belt when viewed on the winter solstice. The full complex at Thornborough contains multiple ancient structures, which include the henges but also includes burial grounds, settlements, and a cursus. The complete monument of three henges, which are nearly identical in construction, extends for over a mile. The henges date to almost 3,500 BCE.

Though the henges may have been built to primarily honor the winter solstice, the henges would have been used for rituals throughout the year. That remains true today, and each year there is a Beltane Festival that covers multiple nights and days.

Folks are welcome to just come for the day or camp out to get the full experience. There will be trading stalls, workshops, and activities throughout the weekend. The Thornborough celebration is family-friendly. A catering truck is available for those who don’t bring their own food. You can find more information on their Facebook page.

Florida Pagan Gathering Beltane – Silver Springs, Florida, US

Annually, dates vary – 2023 dates: April 26—30

The Florida Pagan Gathering has been bringing people together for over 25 years. The family-friendly event hosts self-described “Pagans, Druids, Heathens, Wiccans, and Witches” from all over the world. Unlike the events listed above in the UK, this event doesn’t take place in a sacred place. It is the people who attend and the event itself that makes the celebration sacred!

Held on a campground, attendees can come just for a day, for a few days without camping, or camp for all or part of the festival. The festival includes nightly drum circles by the ritual fire, as well as workshops led by leaders in the Pagan and Wiccan communities, music, vendors, maypole dances, potlucks, and more. Outside of organized activities, attendees can commune with nature around the large campground by swimming in the lake and more. There’s even a meal plan available for those who don’t want to worry about making food. You can find more information and get tickets through Florida Pagan Gathering.

Fertile Ground Gathering – Prince William Forest Park, Triangle, Virginia, US

Annually, dates vary – 2023 dates: April 27–30

The Fertile Ground Gathering has been an annual Beltane celebration since 2008. Each year is organized around a central theme. The Fertile Ground Gathering is held in Prince William Forest Park each year. This protected forest is steeped in history, including artifacts from the original indigenous inhabitants and settlements from the early colonizers. At 16,000 acres, it houses many plant and animal species, making it an ideal place to hold a festival to commune with nature.

The Fertile Ground Festival is family-friendly, with activities available specifically designed with families in mind. With very limited cell service and no Wi-Fi, it is a true respite from the day-to-day and a way to get in touch with nature and connect with like-minded folks. Music, art, performance, food, workshops—this event has it all. You can learn more and register through Fertile Ground Gathering.

Beltane Music Festival – Neal Creek, Scio, Oregon, US

Annually, dates vary – 2023 dates: May 5–7

Beltane isn’t Beltane without music. So, what better way to celebrate than a 3-day concert? The Beltane Music Festival in Oregon has a lineup of over 15 acts, along with workshops and other activities. Tent camping is available and the best way to get the most out of the festival. Not just a music festival, the gathering has a focus on Beltane, including the lighting of the fire and drums. The 2023 dates are the weekend before Mother’s Day but include Mother’s Day celebrations as well as Beltane celebrations.

You can find more information and get tickets through the Beltane Music Festival.

Beltane Fantasy Festival – Idaho Renaissance Faire, Idaho, US

Annually, dates vary – 2023 dates: May 6–7

You might not necessarily think of a time of great Pagan celebration when you think of the Renaissance (or the Medieval period these faires generally replicate). But over time, these festivals have come to encompass and celebrate many different eras. Though we are specifically mentioning the Idaho Renaissance Faire because they have an advertised Beltane weekend, your local Ren Fest/Faire may have its own—be sure to look!

Activities range at these types of events, but the one in Idaho includes entertainers, reenactments, vendors, and a beer garden. Dressing up is encouraged, and almost all of these types of faires are family-friendly. Some even have pet-friendly weekends! On a Beltane weekend, you are sure to see Fae folk wandering about among the mortals.

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These are just a few examples of the types of Beltane gatherings there are to attend in person. From gatherings at ancient and sacred grounds to modern music festivals, there are many ways to celebrate Beltane. And since they don’t all fall on Beltane, you can celebrate the Sabbat a few times if you want! This list is by no means exhaustive and hopefully serves as a starting point for you to find events near you or in places you’d like to travel to. Or you may decide that one of the celebrations on this list is what you’ve been looking for and join in as the community welcomes summer.