WELSHFest returns in two weeks to Rockmart for 2026 edition

The celebration of Welsh heritage returns to downtown Rockmart in the weekends to come for a weekend of family-friendly fun – maybe except for the bonniest knees contest.

WELSHFest 2026 – the 12th edition of the celebration – returns this year to downtown Rockmart around the Rockmart History Museum with a variety of fun throughout the day on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event however gets a more solemn start with the annual Hymn Singing at the Historic Van Wert Church on Friday night, March 20 at 6 p.m. The event is free and all are welcome to attend (seating is limited however, keep that in mind.)

Among the Saturday fun includes the Welsh Tea Room held in the Rockmart First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, and sponsored by the Rockmart History Museum. Welsh Cream Tea, Scones, Welsh Cakes and Cheese plates will be available. Alongside the Tea Room, Mac’s Bakery will also be selling Hamburger Hand Pies along with their sweets during the Saturday event.

The pies are a tribute to the meat pies carried to the quarry by Welshmen who settled Van Wert and later influenced Rockmart’s history.

Those who want something more traditional to eat can enjoy items from food vendors on site during the weekend that include (currently) Hannah’s BBQ and Kona Ice.

Featured events during WELSHFest include the Welsh Corgi Show hosted by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of Greater Atlanta on the trailhead green. Men in kilt’s with the “Bonniest Knees in Rockmart,” and Welly Wanging – tossing of boots (a welly is a boot in the Welsh language) and the goal is to see how far it can be tossed.

Historic church tours of Rockmart Presbyterian and Van Wert Church will be held, and Slate Quarry Tours will be provided as well (more information to come on those.)

Additional schedule updates are expected ahead of the Saturday event, but just in case – there’s a rain date for March 28 to provide a second chance for WELSHFest should a stormy forecast interfere.