We can practically hear the bagpipes. The Asheville Celtic Festival returns to the WNC Ag Center on Saturday, Feb. 18 for its third year of kilt-wearing, sheaf-tossing action.

The event, presented by nonprofit Asheville Celtic Group, seeks to educate and reconnect WNC residents with the Celtic tradition, which has long contributed to our region's cultural heritage by way of Scottish and Scotch-Irish immigrants.

Here's what's on the roster this year:

Live music from Celtic-inspired bands Albannach, SYR, and more
Border collie herding and shepherding demonstrations
Scottish athletics (think: caber toss, stone put, and sheaf toss)
Whiskey tastings with Highland Park, Macallan, and Naked Grouse
Food from The Scottish Cottage and Celtic Cafe, and mead from Fae Nectar
Historical Celtic lectures from historian John Miles
Plenty of crafts, kilts, and other cultural vendors

What to know before you go:

General admission tickets start at $24 for adults and $8 for kids under 12
Event runs from 11 a.m. through 9 p.m. at WNC Ag Center (Davis Event Center, 761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher)
Pets are not allowed