Scottish Dance Catalina Weekend Workshop 2026
Weekend Events
Pricing and Schedule
Please note you will book your own transportation and lodging.
Music By Thistle House
Thistle House is a Scottish dance band rewired for high voltage. Consisting of David Knight on fiddle, Dave Wiesler on piano, and Dan Emery on highland pipes, small pipes, and wooden flute, Thistle House is guaranteed to pump adrenaline into the most tired feet -- especially when the pipes start up! All three musicians are avid and accomplished Scottish country dancers as well as nationally recognized musicians, and this guarantees that the music they make will always be danceable and exciting.
Lodging
You are responsible for arranging your own lodging and transportation.
BOOK NOW !!
Check Travelocity, Expedia & Booking.com for good deals...
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COTTAGES: Booking NOW
The most economical way to stay on the island is to rent a cottage with a group of fellow dancers. These cottages can be booked now. A few even come with golf carts. The best pricing will be found at Catalina Island Vacation Rentals. They have an onsite office in Avalon and their phone number is 310-510-2276. The best way to book is through their website, but be sure you are booking a place in the town of Avalon and not in Hamilton Cove (20 min golf cart ride outside of Avalon). Pricing should be better than on Airbnb, etc.
https://www.catalinavacations.com/
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HOTELS: Booking available starting July 2025
Our best recommendation is Hotel Metropole. This hotel is a good value for the money, recently renovated and includes a lovely continental breakfast. It is located in the main part of town closer to the Casino and boardwalk and there is a small jacuzzi located on the roof top. They will store luggage for you if needed. Book directly with them at 310-510-1884 and get a 10% discount using AAA.
The Catalina Canyon Inn we used in prior years (uphill at the top of town) has been remodeled and is also a good choice, if you are looking for a quiet location and a swimming pool. No breakfast is included but they do have an onsite restaurant.
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Note: The Pavilion Hotel we used in 2018 will be undergoing renovation in 2026 and is not available.
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(We do not recommend the Hermosa Hotel.)
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CAMPING OPTION:
For the hardiest amongst us, there is one campsite one mile uphill both ways from the town of Avalon. It is called Hermit Gulch and has tent cabins with army cots (tents sleep between 3 and 6 people) and various amenities, but you must bring your own sleeping bag and cooking utensils etc.
Check it out at: https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/stay/camping
Transportation
FERRY:
There are two companies that operate boats to Catalina Island -
Catalina Express – Takes you to Catalina Island in just over an hour with up to 30 daily departures from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. Book online at https://catalinaexpress.com or call (800)613-1212. They have senior discounts available for ages 55+. Current fare is $85.50 round trip for seniors. You can book several months ahead.
Parking at the terminal costs $25/day, so carpooling or Uber is a great idea.
Note: Be sure you are booking a trip to Avalon, not to Two Harbors.
Catalina Flyer – Has one daily boat to Avalon out of Newport Beach. (949)673-5245
Senior Discounts
https://catalinainfo.com
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HELICOPTER:
Maverick Helicopter at: https://maverickhelicopter.com or call (702)728-4241
