Last Updated on June 18, 2026 6:51 pm
LINVILLE — The long and storied tradition of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 9, continuing through Sunday, July 12, the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation announced.
This marks the 70th year for the beloved celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, the popular festival once again bringing — as organizers put it — “a wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country.
“Considering five of the past seven years have seen record attendance, we are anticipating a large, enthusiastic crowd at this year’s games,” said Stephen Quillin, president of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. “It is always a special gathering packed full of cultural events and excitement, and we can’t wait to see what fun awaits.”
What to expect this year
Throughout the weekend, guests can take in traditional Scottish athletic competitions including Scottish heavy athletics, track and field, Highland wrestling and more — alongside signature Scottish cuisine, cultural enrichment, traditional and contemporary Scottish music, dancing competitions, the Parade of Tartans and the ever-popular sheep dog herding demonstration.
New this year, sheep shearing will be offered for the first time in the history of the games.
The festivities begin Thursday, July 9, with Celtic entertainment and border collie sheepherding demonstrations. The games officially get underway Thursday evening with the Torch Light Ceremony, where representatives from all clans — many traveling from across the country and the world — announce their families’ participation in the gathering and “raise the clans” to celebrate their heritage.
This year, 108 clans will be represented on the field, alongside 14 educational and cultural societies. Clan Gunn is this year’s Honored Clan, with their Chieftain John Gunn serving as Chieftain of the Games. The Distinguished Clan is Clan Lamont, whose chieftain is Scott Turner.
Day-by-day schedule
Friday brings a full day of activities including Highland dance competitions, Celtic Grove music performances, a children’s caber toss clinic, amateur heavy athletics and the Celtic Rock Concert that evening.
Saturday features the start of both the “Elite” Women Heavy Athletics Qualifying and the “Professional” Class Heavy Athletics — including the caber toss, sheaf toss, hammer throw and other feats of strength. The day also includes piping and harp competitions, additional musical entertainment and the nighttime Celtic Jam Concert.
Among this year’s musical talent: Seven Nations as the lead Celtic rock band and the Seán Heely Band as the lead traditional Celtic band, along with additional performers.
Sunday repeats athletic events for amateurs and athletes age 40 and older, plus the Parade of Tartans, kilted running events, children’s events and the Clan Tug of War. The weekend concludes Sunday afternoon with closing ceremonies.
Scottish Cultural Village
Cultural experiences will be offered in the award-winning Scottish Cultural Village Tent across the weekend, now celebrating its 11th year. Programming this year includes the history of the Hebrides, Scotch and American whiskies, Scotland’s dark trials and executions and costuming for the show “Outlander.”
How to attend
For admission, parking and shuttle information, visit gmhg.org or call 828-733-1333. For lodging and travel, contact the N.C. High Country Host Regional Visitor Center at 800-438-7500 or visit highcountryhost.com.
