Top Celtic Festivals & Highland Games in the U.S.?
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- Опубликовано: 23 мар 2021
- Which Highland Games are the best?
The largest Highland Games event in the world is the famous Cowal Highland Gathering (or Cowal Games) held in Dunoon, Scotland, in August. This massive event attracts around 3,500 competitors around 23,000 spectators every year. People come from around the world to enjoy the festivities.
Now most of us may not make it to Cowal, so what are the best, and biggest Celtic events and Highland Games in the USA?
Rocky and Erik have a clear favorite, but there are many options for you if you want to seek out an event worthy of your money, time and kilt.
One you may have heard of, including from us here on the show, is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina. It's been running since 1956 and is among the first and largest Celtic events established in the United States.
Further north? You may want to drive up to the New Hampshire Highland Games held at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH. This gathering has been going for over 30 years and offers a huge gathering of Scottish musicians, Highland athletes, pipe bands and dancers from across Canada and the US. Around 70 Scottish clans are represented in the display tents of the 'Clan Village'.
Out west the "Big 'un" is the Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival in Monterey, CA. This is a lively and very "Californian" festival with a high energy atmosphere. The heavy events, including the Braemar Stone, heavy hammer and caber toss, are not to be missed. Monterey also has their own team of historical reenactors - Clan Galbraith - who portray 16th-century Highlanders.
Irish cultural festivals are also popular in the US and changes are you can find one in your region. Often, larger events will combine both Irish and Scottish cultural displays and activities - not to mention food and music! This is why we love The Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, PA. It has something for everyone in an easy to walk venue. The music is an especially big draw at the Classic with non-stop performances on multiple outdoor and indoor stages. And of course you get all the field events you want from Highland Athletics to sheep dog demos.
Speaking of Irish... one of the best events closer to the Midwest is the huge
Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, OH. Billed as “like Ireland, except smaller,” this weekend event can boast 100,000 visitors. The venue is 29 acres just north of Columbus filled with Celtic cultural exhibits, activities geared toward families and the much-celebrated beer tent. What really makes the event is the impressive entertainment lineup including some of the biggest names in Irish music on seven stages.
That's just a few of the big Games and Celtic festivals we recommend. Chances are, you have a great one within driving distance. And remember - sometimes a SMALL festival is as good or better than a big one. Small local events, often built to help the local community, are intimate, friendly and not overwhelming. They're a great way to relax and meet new people who share your Celtic interests. So, just because an event isn't big or famous, don't pass up checking it out. You might even find yourself drawn into volunteering or performing yourself!
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So happy Grandfather Mountain got the shoutout!
The wife and I go to the Highland Games at Loon Mountain in Lincoln NH. Spectacular views surrounded by the Presidential Mountain Range/White Mountains. Huge event up there. Many hotel rooms and camp grounds near the event location and free buses that transport you to and from your lodging to Loon Mountain base camp. Traffic can be nuts on the event weekend, but we're fortunate enough to have access to a family condo right down town.
Grandfather Mountain averages 15,000-20,000 attendees over the 4 day period yearly.
Are there any vendors there? I went to their website and there are no vendors listed.
@@karenshumer7192 yes, there are lots of vendors. I don't know if they've ever listed them on their site.
@@wamsley24273 Used to list them. The excuse from the Steve Quillin, the president was Covid created uncertainty as to who would be there. The Games in Maryvill, TN had a big list of vendors on their website.
more than that, Jason, especially with good weather. Also, GMHG is the largest gathering of Clans in the world.
Don’t forget the Pleasanton Highland Games in California. I personally love the RedStone Highland games in St George Utah
I've been to this one twice and so far it is the best...!
The Alma, MI Highland Festival and St. Andrews Highland Festival, Livonia, MI at my two mainstays. I've not been to Saline, MI Celtic Festival, but would like to when they reopen. The Dublin, OH Irish Festival is the same weekend as St. Andrews, but I promised my brother I would go with him sometime. I would also like to go to the Stone Mountain, GA Highland Festival. I have a sister and her daughter who both live in the area and it's hosted by my Clan Davidson.
As to camping close to the festival, I can confirm how nice that is. My first time going to Alma on my own, I drove my dad's van, got there late on the Friday, and was able to park right next to the residence hall with the open restrooms. Past that it was just a little further to the main entrance to the festival one way and to the ceilidh hall the other way. I did the same a few more times until I couldn't for various reasons, but it was great when I could. I made some friends, helped out where I could, and got to join the MacPhersons in the town's Memorial Day parade Saturday morning and the parade of tartans later that day carrying a zweihander over my shoulder for both. :D
I've been to Grandfather Mountain Highland games. So many people. The closing of the games on Sunday is something too see. I also go to Stone Mountain Highland games, not as good as it use to be.
Yes, Stone Mountain went downhill after the building where the tattoo was held was razed and not replaced. We lost a lot of large Scottish bands. It used to be huge! But I still go every year. My dream is to go to Grandfather Mountain.
@@scottishhellcat Did you go last year? If so..this yr? Never been and wanted to check it out... that area has been going down for yrs now...
It’s worth noting that the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (which concluded this afternoon) is the world’s largest gathering of Scottish clans. It’s truly a remarkable experience and certainly worth the trip to the highlands of Western North Carolina!
Grandfather mountain, and Loch Norman Games.
Loch Norman is wonderful.
Whit aboot scots Irish. Whit tartan dae yi use 😆
@@kennethmckean Due to the heat they get sometimes on Macrae Meadow, my hubby wears his "utilikilt", which is easier to wash than wool. No plaid, just solid colour. He has a olive green and a balck one.
The Scottish Highland games of San Diego and gathering of the clans is an incredible event in late June!
You've never been to Grandfather. You should come. Kim and I are camping this year (first time staying in camp). The event has always been fun and wanting to stay and experience the whole event. Clan Donnachaidh
Going to a Highland games in the US is strange for me as a Canadian. Everyone takes the dress up thing more seriously. Half the crowd look like extras from braveheart. You don’t see that anywhere else. The swords and face paint and the ladies dressed up like Scottish witches. It’s crazy and fun.
Ive never seen the swords and paint at the ones i go to in NC, but that sounds interesting haha
I'm so glad these festivals are on again! Maryville, TN has a great one. I'd love go hit a couple of others ones this year as well, maybe North Carolina or Stone Mountain, GA.
Stone mountain is excellent
Celtic festival is coming up in Manheim., Pa in a couple weeks or so. Heard it is good too.
Orlando games and Stone Mountain are big festivals and games. WHEN you start hosting games at USA Kilts I AM THERE!!!!
The New Hampshire Highland Games at Loon Mountain usually claim 25,000-30,000 for the two and a half days in September.
Beautiful, Scottish Weather some years, haha.
For those within range of the Canadian border into Ontario, the annual highland Games at Fergus is another event well worth consideration.
I came to mention the Fergus Scottish Festival too. It's the largest outside of Scotland. I grew up attending as a volunteer every year.
Gallabrae! Scottish Games🏴 Memorial Weekend 2022. Greenville, SC at Furman U. Cancelled this year due to covid.
You really need to check out scottfest in Estes Park, CO in September.
Great Games in Texas: Salado; San Antonio; Houston; Denton; and more. My husband was an amateur Games athlete for many years, and we never attended one without having boodles of fun.
The Pleasanton Highland Games in the Bay area of California hosts 50,000 + attendees over the Labor Day weekend every year. They also promote the Games as the oldest games in the US beginning in 1866.
Thanks. This is now a travel guide.
I havebeen to Loon mojtnain anditwas fantastic!
Important distinction of Celtic Classic in Bethlehem. is... the FREE Admission!
And once was enough!😮
Wintersprings Florida has a bangin Scottish games every year
Only one I've been to so far is the Ligonier Highland Games in Ligonier PA. A very fun time!
Guys don’t forget Fairhill Games in Elkton, MD near you. Central Florida Highland Games near Orlando are now arguably the largest in the Eastern US for Highland Games.
Don't Forget the Dillsburg Celtic Festival this weekend in Dillsburg, Pa. 4/29/2022 to 04/30/2022
I help with the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Highland Games. I think we're around 6-7K in patrons. I love it.
Don’t forget the Scotland, Connecticut Highland games and festival !
The West Virginia Wild and Wonderful Celtic Fest & Highland Games held in Beverly West Virginia (only a few miles from Elkins) just completed it's second annual event. I did not attend the first, but I was told that this past event nearly doubled the original. Judging by the crowd, the events, and the musical acts (Ally the Piper was one) next year should be even more successful.
I can HIGHLY recommend the Loch Norman games in Huntersville NC in April... Unlike Grandfather, the public are able to park right on the site, rather than having to take shuttles up to the meadow. It's also more economical (AKA 'cheaper' to attend), it's just North of Charlotte (major airport near), so PLENTY of hotels, Air B&B's, rentals and even camping/RVing across the road from the site. In addition to mass bands, heavy athletics and dancing & piping competitions, there is also more to see and participate in such as archery, axe/tomahawk, a reenactment village, genealogy tents & lectures, food and merchandise vendors galore AND it's small enough to get to know people and hang out with friends.
i need to join right away lol
San Antonio has fast become the largest Highland Games in Texas
I wish they wouldn't have canceled this year. I was looking forward to attending and competing in the Highland Games. The San Antonio festival was the first Scottish festival I ever attended since I live in San Antonio.
Dunedin Florida, a city founded by Scots, has an annual Highland Games festival yearly. 2024 was the 52nd anniversary.
Do you ever attend Ligonier Highland games in Ligonier Pa?
We have a irish festival in Maryland
Scottish Games at Fair Hill, MD. First in 1960 at the Delaware Park (race track)
Iron Thistle Festival in Yukon, Oklahoma. Its usually held during April, but it has moved to October this year due to COVID
Grandfather Mountain and Stone Mountain
Orlando Games are outstanding
Used to be the Delco Scottish Games @ the Devon Horseshow grounds and another @ Green Lane park. Delco last I heard is long gone. Most towns used to have great events and parades on St Patrick's day years ago but thats faded into history for most places in PA.
I missed the one this year in Florida
So, Kim and I are now every year campers on the mountain come by and visit during the games.
I live in north GA, and Stone Mountain hosts a Highland Games, but I've never been. My bigger concern is how much I'm expected to dress up for the occasion if I go kilted. I figure a PC or even an Argyll is a bit overdressed, but I see a lot of photos of men in tweed jackets, of which I don't own one. Would a great kilt be considered out of place as a spectator?
Props to Rocky for actually pronouncing Waukesha properly!!! So in addition to the Waukesha Highland Games, Milwaukee actually hosts the largest Irish Fest on this continent. It's held in mid-August every year down at the Summerfest grounds which...of course is the venue for the worlds largest musical festival. Though...after the situation, they've scaled it back a bit due to touring schedules, so I don't know if that still holds.
Alma Highland games, Alma, Michigan.
Livonia Highland Games, Livonia, Michigan, oldest Highland games in North America, 172nd annual games.
In non-covid years there are more than 5 in California. San Diego, Costa Mesa, and Ventura are the ones that I go to. There are also games up in Northern California, but the locations have slipped out of my mind. All have games, performers, dance competitions, vendors,and Clan tents.
Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival 45 years. Estes Park We get more people for our parade alone then some others get for their whole festival.
Call the office for the total numbers. Its a four day event,. Its in the tens and hundreds of thousands over the years. Its in a massive complex surrounded by resorts
a national park and the rocky mts. Its stunningly beautiful. I am claiming this to be the largest in the USA. I have been attending for forty years. We have had more people on support staff
then some festivals have for attendance. Think of every thing at a festival that you attended and multiply by several factors. We have more horses than some festival have pipe bands.
We have more people in pipe bands than some festivals have in attendance numbers.
Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Decatur, Texas, which is west of Fort Worth. I'll be attending and competing in the Highland Games there. It's April 30th through May 2nd for anyone who can attend. It's one of the big Scottish and Celtic Festivals in Texas. The North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas, Texas is the biggest Celtic Festival in the state as far as the number of people who attend goes, and one of the biggest in the nation.
The all ireland fleadh which is an irish folk music festival and competition that attracts half a million to the host town .Usually a town gets it for 3 years and then another town is selected.Its held usually in late august.Given the huge organisation task though i can't see it coming back until 2023 since ireland has a very stringent lockdown regime
Loon Mountain and Grandfather Mountain
What about another one in your backyard, The Ligionier Games in Ligoinier, Pa.!
The Wisconsin Highland Games and Festival is held over Labor Day weekend at the Waukesha County Fairgrounds in Waukesha, Wisconsin ( just west of Milwaukee). Cancelled last year because of the Pandemic, hopefully on this year.
Any events in Michigan that people are aware of?
5 to my knowledge. Alma is Memorial Day weekend, Saline is 9-10 July, St. Andrews in Livonia is the first weekend of August, Kalamazoo is in early September, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival has their Highland Fling weekend sometime during their season from mid August to early October. These are tentative this year, of course. I don't know of any others in the state.
Glasgow,Kentucky!
Will there be a Celtic Classic in Sept '21?
Yes, there will!
I used to attend "Fairy Festivals, acting as a " roadie," for my dearly departed friend, "Joan." I am expecting to wear my brown "utility kilt" as the centerpiece of my costume. I plan on wearing dark colored briefs to reign in my twig & berries, because I once had the seam from a pair of boxer shorts, rub me raw.
Kelso Washington highlander festival
Celtic Classic is a definite local favorite. Up the Celtic Cutural Alliance!
I liked Grandfather Mountain.
👍
Pleasanton is big, it's the end of our season. The opening of every season and by far the best is at the Queen Mary. How can you beat a historic Scottish built ocean liner. That kind of fun is illegal in many southern states.
Oddly Enough RIGHT? And people will flock to your doors as soon as you open them again. When will that be again??? "If you Open, They will come!"
Twins?
These guys obviously don't go to the games
This guy is not well-versed. Pleasanton, Grandfather Mountain, and New Hampshire are the biggest ones.