Scottish Festival · Spring 2026

St. George Highland Games 2026

Scottish heavy athletics, Highland dancing, bagpipes, clan gatherings, and Celtic music in Southern Utah

Quick Facts

Season
Spring 2026 (check official dates)
Location
St. George area venue TBA
Tickets
$10-$20 adult · kids often free
Format
Weekend Scottish festival

The St. George Highland Games 2026 brings traditional Scottish athletic competitions, Highland dancing, bagpipe and drum performances, and Celtic cultural celebration to St. George, Utah. Historically held as the RedStone Highland Games and Festival, this spring event celebrates Scottish heritage with the same traditions that have defined Highland Games in Scotland and around the world for centuries. Attendees experience the iconic caber toss, hammer throw, stone put, Highland dancing, and Celtic music — all set against Southern Utah's dramatic red rock backdrop.

The Highland Games Tradition

Highland Games trace their origins to 11th-century Scotland when clan chieftains held gatherings to test their warriors' strength and skill. The tradition spread globally as Scottish emigrants established Highland Games celebrations in their new homelands. Today, Highland Games are held in communities across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — each preserving the core traditional events while adding local flavor. The St. George Highland Games brings this ancient tradition to Southern Utah's growing community of Scottish-descended families and cultural enthusiasts.

Traditional Heavy Athletics Events

The Highland Games heavy athletics are the most visually impressive and physically demanding events:

  • Caber toss — Lifting and tossing a 18-22 foot tapered wooden pole end-over-end, judged on straightness of the toss (12 o'clock = perfect)
  • Hammer throw — Throwing a 16-22 pound weight attached to a 50-inch shaft for distance
  • Stone put — Scottish equivalent of shot put using heavy round stones (approximately 16-22 pounds)
  • Weight for distance — Throwing a 28 or 56 pound weight on a short chain for maximum distance
  • Sheaf toss — Using a pitchfork to toss a burlap sack stuffed with straw over a horizontal bar (height increased each round)
  • Braemar stone — Pure strength test throwing a massive stone from a standing position
  • Tug-of-war — Team-based rope pulling competition

Competitors compete in divisions for amateurs, masters (40+), open professional, and sometimes women's classes. The combination of raw strength and technical skill makes these events spectacular to watch.

Highland Dancing

Highland dancing is a precision athletic art form tracing back to Scotland's military traditions. Dancers perform to live bagpipe music in traditional Highland dress including kilts, waistcoats, and ghillies (soft leather shoes). Competitions at the St. George Highland Games typically include multiple age divisions and skill levels — from beginner dancers through premier competitors. Iconic Highland dances include the Highland Fling, Sword Dance (Ghillie Callum), Seann Triubhas, and Reel of Tulloch.

Bagpipes and Drums

The sound of bagpipes defines the Highland Games atmosphere. Solo piping competitions showcase technical mastery with traditional tunes including the complex pibroch form. Pipe band competitions feature full pipe and drum ensembles performing marches, strathspeys, and reels. Beyond competition, bagpipes and drums provide festival music throughout the day — massed bands performances bringing together all participating pipers are particularly stirring for anyone with Scottish heritage (or without).

Clan Gatherings and Heritage

Clan tents are festival favorites for attendees researching Scottish heritage. Representatives from various Scottish clan societies present their clan's history, tartans, and genealogy services. Many festivals maintain a list of participating clans including MacDonald, MacKenzie, Campbell, Stewart, MacGregor, Fraser, Gordon, Sinclair, and dozens more. If you have Scottish ancestry, bring any family records you have — clan representatives often help identify affiliations based on family names and origin locations.

Celtic Music and Entertainment

Beyond the bagpipes and drums, the festival features Celtic music performers playing traditional and contemporary Celtic tunes. Expect fiddle music, Celtic harp, Irish tin whistle, guitar-led folk performances, and sometimes Celtic rock. Multiple stages typically run throughout the weekend with diverse programming appealing to hardcore traditionalists and curious newcomers alike.

Scottish Food and Drink

Highland Games food tents serve traditional Scottish fare that attendees often remember as a highlight. Typical offerings:

  • Haggis — Scotland's national dish (traditional preparation with oats, offal, and spices)
  • Meat pies and pasties — Savory handheld baked goods
  • Bangers and mash — Sausages with mashed potatoes
  • Fish and chips — Beer-battered white fish with fries
  • Scotch eggs — Hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat and breaded
  • Shortbread and scones — Traditional Scottish baked goods
  • Scotch whisky tastings — Adult-only ticketed events (where licensed)
  • Scottish ales and ciders — Beer garden with Celtic-appropriate selections

Family Activities

Highland Games are family-friendly events. Expect kids activity zones with mini caber toss using foam tubes, Celtic story times, children's Highland dancing showcases, face painting, and cultural education booths. Many young children are fascinated by the bagpipes, colorful kilts, and overall pageantry of the festival atmosphere. The event provides genuine cultural education alongside entertainment.

Dressing for the Games

Highland Games attendees often embrace the cultural atmosphere by wearing Scottish attire. Full Highland dress (kilt, sporran, jacket, ghillies) is common among clan representatives and active participants. Casual Scottish-themed clothing — clan tartan scarves, Celtic-themed t-shirts, or simple green and tartan colors — shows cultural appreciation without the formal investment. There's no required dress code — attendees in standard casual clothing are equally welcome.

Getting Involved Year-Round

For attendees inspired by the Highland Games, Scottish cultural activities continue year-round in the Southern Utah region. Scottish clan societies maintain active membership programs. Bagpipe and Highland dancing lessons are available through local instructors. Celtic music performers play regularly at various venues. The Highland Games weekend serves as an entry point to a thriving year-round Scottish heritage community.

St. George Highland Games 2026 FAQ

When is the St. George Highland Games 2026?
The St. George Highland Games (also historically known as the RedStone Highland Games and Festival) is typically held in spring each year. The 2026 event date is confirmed by the organizing committee in the weeks leading up to the festival. Check the SGWOM events calendar and official festival channels for the confirmed 2026 date.
Where are the Highland Games held in St. George?
Past Highland Games have been held at venues including the Town Square Park area and various festival grounds in the Washington County region. The 2026 venue will be confirmed by event organizers. Plenty of open space is required for the heavy athletics events (caber toss, hammer throw, stone put), dancing stages, and vendor booths.
What happens at the Highland Games?
The Highland Games feature traditional Scottish competitions including the caber toss (tossing a large wooden pole), hammer throw, stone put, sheaf toss, and tug-of-war. The festival also includes Scottish Highland dancing competitions, bagpipe and drum performances, clan gatherings and heritage tents, Celtic music concerts, traditional Scottish food and drink (haggis, shortbread, Scotch tastings), and family activities.
How much do Highland Games tickets cost?
Highland Games admission typically ranges from $10-$20 per day for adults, with children often admitted free or at reduced pricing. Some Scottish festivals offer VIP or premium packages including guided tours, premium seating at events, and Scotch whisky tastings for $40-$75. Family day passes and weekend passes are often available at a discount.
What is the caber toss?
The caber toss is the signature Highland Games event. Competitors lift a large tapered wooden pole (typically 18-22 feet long and 90-180 pounds), run forward, and toss the caber end-over-end. Competitors are judged on the straightness of the toss (12 o'clock is perfect) rather than distance. It's both a test of raw strength and technical skill — and one of the most spectacular athletic events to watch.
Are there Scottish clans represented?
Yes. Highland Games traditionally include clan gathering tents where representatives from Scottish clan societies present their history, tartans, and genealogy services. Visitors with Scottish heritage often discover their clan affiliations and connect with fellow clan members. Many clan societies maintain active membership programs and host their own events throughout the year.
Can I compete in the Highland Games?
Yes. Heavy athletics competitions typically offer divisions for amateurs, masters, and sometimes women's classes. Competitors register in advance through the event website. Highland dancing competitions are also open to registered dancers at various skill levels. Bagpipe and drum competitions require registration with the relevant sanctioning bodies. Check event registration pages for specific requirements and deadlines.
What food is at the Highland Games?
Traditional Scottish and Celtic food is a highlight. Expect haggis (Scotland's national dish), meat pies, Scotch eggs, bangers and mash, fish and chips, shortbread, scones, and various Celtic beverages. Many festivals include Scotch whisky tastings for adults (separate ticketed events), Scottish ales, and non-alcoholic options. Family-friendly American festival food is also typically available.
Is the Highland Games family-friendly?
Absolutely. While the heavy athletics events are thrilling for all ages, the festival also includes dedicated children's activities — mini caber toss for kids, Celtic story times, children's Highland dancing showcases, face painting, and cultural education booths. The bagpipes, colorful kilts, and festival atmosphere are particularly memorable for young children.

Related Events