Top 10 Highland Games in The USA You Can’t Miss in 2025
If you’ve never seen a kilt-clad athlete toss a tree trunk the size of a telephone pole, you’re missing something uniquely captivating. Highland Games aren’t just about brute strength or tradition — they’re a strange and wonderful blend of Scottish heritage, loud bagpipes, whisky tastings, tug-of-war teams, and deeply loyal communities. And for some reason, it all just works.
Across the United States, Highland Games have become a sort of pilgrimage for folks who love culture with a side of chaos. Whether you’re of Scottish descent or just appreciate the drama of a well-thrown caber, there’s a festival for you.
Here’s a look at the top 10 Highland Games in the U.S. to mark on your calendar in 2025. Or at least… keep in the back of your mind.
1. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games — North Carolina
This one feels almost mythical. Held in the scenic highlands of North Carolina, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (July 10–13, 2025) are often considered the most “authentically Scottish” event outside of Scotland. The mountain mist, the sound of pipes echoing through the trees — it’s hard to describe unless you’ve stood there and felt it.
You’ll find everything from heavy athletics to sheepdog demos, plus clan tents as far as the eye can see. It’s massive, and honestly, a little overwhelming in the best way.
2. Pleasanton Scottish Games — California
Northern California doesn’t exactly scream “Scottish Highlands,” but the Pleasanton Games (Aug 30–31, 2025) are one of the biggest and oldest in the U.S., running strong since 1866. That’s not a typo.
There’s a definite energy here — competitive and festive. The crowd is big, the athletes are bigger, and the pipe bands? Loud, but in a good way. If you’re on the West Coast, this one’s probably the easiest “yes” you’ll make all year.
3. New Hampshire Highland Games — New Hampshire
Set against the slopes of Loon Mountain (Sept 19–21, 2025), this festival feels like something between a sports meet and a family reunion. The New Hampshire Highland Games are beautifully run, with a deep focus on Scottish culture — Gaelic workshops, whisky tastings, live harp performances. Not everything is as loud as the hammer throw.
It’s big, but not impersonal. Families go year after year. You’ll start to recognize faces if you go twice. That says something.
4. Estes Park Scottish Festival — Colorado
Now, this one’s a bit of a sleeper hit. The Estes Park Festival (Sept 6–7, 2025) has a stunning backdrop — Rocky Mountains stretching across the sky — and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to dislike.
It doesn’t try to be the biggest or boldest. Instead, it leans into community, music, and relaxed fun. The heavy events are still intense, sure, but you also get ceilidhs, dance shows, and some surprisingly good meat pies. Maybe it’s the altitude talking.
5. Stone Mountain Highland Games — Georgia
Held in October (17–19, 2025) near Atlanta, Stone Mountain is where Southern hospitality meets Scottish tradition. It’s hot. It’s crowded. And it’s undeniably fun.
There’s something about this one that feels more celebratory than competitive. Don’t get me wrong — the athletes go hard — but the crowd seems just as excited about the dancing or the fiddle contest. Or the whisky tent. That gets a lot of traffic.
6. Chicago Scots Scottish Festival — Illinois
This one’s a little different. The Chicago Scots Festival (June 21–22, 2025) balances traditional events with a family-friendly, modern approach. Less rough edges, more polish. You’ll see guys flipping cabers, but you’ll also find storytelling corners for kids and Scottish-themed trivia competitions.
It doesn’t try to be the most “authentic.” Maybe that’s okay. Not every festival needs to feel like it was plucked from the Highlands in 1745.
7. Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games — Washington
Rain or shine — usually both — the Pacific Northwest Games (July 26–27, 2025) have a fierce following. You get a strong athletic lineup, passionate pipe bands, and a solid representation of regional clans. It’s a little gritty and muddy sometimes, but that just makes it better, I think.
Plus, Washington’s cool in the summer. That’s not nothing.
8. Ohio Scottish Games — Ohio
This one, usually in June (exact 2025 dates pending), has a kind of grassroots spirit. Smaller than some others, but very intentional. The Ohio Scottish Games feel personal. You get to talk to vendors, ask a harpist about their tuning style, or chat with athletes between events.
It’s not flashy — maybe that’s part of the charm. Some festivals feel like a stage. This one feels like a conversation.
9. Central Florida Scottish Highland Games — Florida
January 18–19, 2025 — yes, January — and it’s warm. That alone makes Central Florida’s Games a winner if you’re from the colder parts of the country.
These games have a surprisingly robust turnout. The athletic events are taken seriously, the clans come out in full force, and the whisky tastings start early. Possibly too early? But that’s Florida.
10. Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games — Texas
Texas does everything big. That’s not just a cliché — it’s kind of true. The Texas Scottish Festival (May 2–4, 2025) brings a big crowd, big stages, and big energy. It’s one of the liveliest, noisiest events you’ll find on the circuit.
The festival leans into the entertainment side — live Celtic rock bands, fire-dancing at night — but still manages to respect the roots. It’s not traditionalist, exactly, but it’s not trying to be either. And that honesty is refreshing.
A Few Thoughts…
You don’t need to go to all ten. I mean, you could, but realistically, most people pick one or two based on distance, timing, or… just a gut feeling. And that’s fine.
Highland Games aren’t just about bagpipes and kilts and rocks being hurled across fields. They’re about people — a celebration of heritage, sure, but also community, identity, and fun. Sometimes messy, sometimes muddy, and almost always unforgettable.
Whether you’re drawn to the roar of the crowd, the music, the food, or the history — there’s probably a festival that fits.
Maybe even one near you.
