Our annual Beltane celebration is a living, dynamic reinterpretation and modernization of an ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual and is inspired by the Beltane Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Having started as a private celebration four years ago, it has become a central focus for our farm, meadery, and community, bringing many people together to acknowledge and revel in the birth of the Summer and the fertility of the land.

One of the four quarter day festivals, the ancient Festival of Beltane saw members of communities come together to celebrate the return of the summer. The observance of this important time in the turning of the wheel of the year was characterized by a celebration of the return of the fertility of the land, and would have been a time when livestock would have been put out to pasture. Today, we celebrate the arrival of summer with music, dancing, and community as we mark with our 4th Annual Beltane Festival and Thistlerock Mead Company’s one year anniversary!

Tickets to Beltane 2025 are HERE!

This Year’s Program:

Music and Dance: This year's program, co-produced by the Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) and sponsored by WTJU, includes performances by Albemarle Pipes & Drums, BRIMS' Traditional Folk Ensemble, and headline by Celtic folk rockers, Syr.

Activities: Bodhrán drumming, flower crown making with Wayflowering, face painting, honey tastings, a Ceíli and May Pole dance, haggis hurling competition, archery, and live combat with Zorn Vongal,.

Food and Drink: Mead, non-alcholic drinks, and a special Beltane Fish & Chips fry with Chef Nakesha White of Royalty Eats will be available for purchase on site.

*Festive highland or ancient attire encouraged. Those demonstrating the most commitment to the spirit of Beltane will be awarded our annual Beltane crowns prior to our headline performance.