3rd Annual Celtic Festival

Step into a day of Celtic celebration at Ruthven Park!
Enjoy live musical performances, delicious food, Scottish tea, highland cows, and a lively vendor market!

Bring the whole family to experience the Little Tracks Petting Zoo, children’s “Wee Bairns Play Area”, the Jacobite Reenactment Camp and exciting activities like street curling, historic mansion tours, and Indiana cemetery walks.

Must be 19+ to access Beer Gardens
Pets are not permitted on the site during the festival.
(with the exception of service animals)

Pre-register your tickets or purchase admission at the gate.

Saturday, September 6, 2025
11am-4pm

Tickets

Upcoming events

Wellness Retreat

Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
10am - 4pm
$140 per person
Nestled in the serene Carolinian forest with sweeping views of the Grand River, this exclusive retreat invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself. Join us for a soul-nourishing day at Ruthven Park, where nature, creativity, and mindfulness come together in a restorative wellness experience.

Learn more
Mad Hatter's Afternoon tea

Sunday, August 17th 2025
$55 per person
“What’s the matter my dear, don’t you care for tea?” - The Mad Hatter
Ruthven’s popular ‘Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea’ will be returning this summer for a delectable and fanciful experience! This event includes a set menu of delicious sandwiches, scones, sweets and selection of tea options! This event also includes a tour of the main level of the mansion and special garden activities such as flamingo croquet and photo backdrop!
Pre-registration required for desired time slot of 11am or 3pm.

Book a Tea Time
Scottish Cream Tea

Saturday, September 6th 2025
$35 per person
The scent of freshly baked scones and sounds of Celtic jigs in the distance will have you imagining you are amongst the heather-clad hills of Scotland.
Warm, golden scones are accompanied by clotted cream and selection of teas, from a robust Scottish Breakfast blend to a fragrant Earl Grey or non caffeinated herbal.
The Scottish Cream Tea experience is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in the Highlands.
This purchase includes entry for one adult to the festival and cream tea experience.

Pre-registration for time slot required.
Tickets are non-refundable.

Pre-register
Whiskey Tasting Experience

Saturday, September 6, 2025
1:30pm
$50 per person
Join us for a guided Whiskey Tasting Experience as part of the Celtic Festival!
Enjoy a curated selection of premium whiskeys and a signature cocktail, all paired with delicious bites.
Pre-registration required.
Registration includes admission to the festival and whiskey tasing for one person.
Must be 19+ to register

Tickets

Enjoy a selection of delicious locally made baked goods and classic beverage options. Whether attending tours or hiking our scenic trails, the cafe offers the perfect summer refreshments in a charming historic setting.

Open 11am - 3pm on the following dates:
July 11th, 2025
July 25th, 2025
August 15, 2025
August 29, 2025

No reservation required.

Coach House Cafe

NEW Exhibits Available

ON THE MENU

From open-hearth cooking in the 19th century to the rise of electric appliances in the mid-20th century, this tour exhibit explores how food was prepared, preserved and served in Canadian homes.
Tour Admission Rates Apply
Available Wednesdays to Sundays 11am-4pm
Ploughs, Predictions & Progress

Explore the world of 19th century farming through engaging displays
and historical artifacts. Learn how early farmers used traditional tools, relied on animal power, and observed nature’s signs to cultivate the land and sustain their communities.
Open During Park Hours
Free to Public

TOURS & EVENTS

CALENDAR

NOTICE

Use trails at own risk during inclement weather.

Trails are subject to intermittent closures.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Bassindale Excavating & Nelson Aggregate

We are deeply grateful to Bassindale Excavating and Nelson Aggregate for their generous in-kind donations and dedicated services in restoring the driveway at Ruthven Park. Their support has not only enhanced the beauty and accessibility of our historic site but also reinforced the incredible power of community collaboration.

The preservation of heritage depends on the kindness of those who give back, and we are truly fortunate to have such committed local partners. Thank you for helping us safeguard Ruthven Park for generations to come!

Ruthven Park National Historic Site is pleased to announce our successful application through the Haldimand County Rural Business and Tourism Community Improvement Plan Financial Incentive Program. Under the Building Restoration, Renovation and Improvement and Development Charge, Planning Fees and Building Permit Grant programs Ruthven was approved for $15,379 in funding for internal building works. The Coach House kitchen restoration project will enhance our event and rental offerings, improving customer service during programs and special events, and contributing to the area’s vibrancy.

BIRD BANDING

Click below to learn more about our bird banding program, migrating seasons and ways to get involved!

In order to avoid disappointment please contact the banding station in advance to ensure that there are no other special events or education program bookings running on the day you plan to attend! Dates in the calendar are also subject to change due to inclement weather.

Contact banding@ruthvenpark.ca

Learn More

Land Acknowledgement

Ruthven Park National Historic Site Inc. gratefully acknowledges that Ruthven Park is established on land that has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for millennia. As Canadians, we are thankful for the opportunity to live, work, and play here and we thank all those who have served and continue to serve as stewards of this special place. Recognizing the important contributions of Indigenous peoples is consistent with our commitment to making the promise of Truth and Reconciliation real in our communities.