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Everyone says to check out the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. But being a “must see” doesn’t mean it can’t surprise you. Learn more about this classically North Carolina event, and then go beyond the guidebook with our insider tips.
Must-See Merits
It’s the largest gathering of Scottish clans in the US. Cabers are tossed, hammers are thrown, bagpipes are played. And of course there’s barbecue, because we’re still in North Carolina, after all.
Plan Your Visit
MacRae Meadows comes alive the second weekend in July with the color, pageantry and spectacle of the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, first held in 1956. Our state has one of the world’s largest concentration of residents of Scots-Irish descent, and that heritage is on display at the Games with brightly colored tartans, the smell of campfire smoke, and the sounds of bagpipes and tribal drums.
Highland Athletics
Highland Athletics
As the name “games” suggest, there’s a heavy-duty athletic competition at the heart of this Gaelic festival. Brawny, world-champion Highland athletes thrill spectators in games similar to ones played by Celtic tribes since pre-Christian times, with athletes donning kilts and other traditional Celtic dress. And, since the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is one of the top such competitions in the nation, it attracts athletes who have already traveled around the world to compete. Events include caber toss, sheaf toss, hammer throw, throws for both distance and height, and more.
Track and Field
Track and Field
Traditional track and field events – long jump, high jump, pole vault, 100-yard dash and 1-mile run, just to name a few – take place Saturday afternoon. Athletes can compete in up to five events, and Outstanding Athlete awards are presented at the end of the ceremony.
Kids' Stuff
Kids' Stuff
Athletic events for those 12 and under – including sack races, field games, and a wrestling clinic and competition – and junior versions of the caber toss and other games keep everyone in the family interested and excited.
Music and Dance Competitions
Music and Dance Competitions
Competition extends far beyond athletics. Highland dance, Scottish country dancing, Scottish fiddling, harp and piping, and drumming events also require stamina and talent. The Gaelic Mod, which is a singing competition, puts a lilt in the air, and demonstrations and workshops, including sheepherding, add to the fun.
Whisky Tastings
Whisky Tastings
Sample the full line of Scotland's Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whiskies at this popular event, which is held at various times Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There's an added price to attend one of the seminars, and pre-registration is required.
Concerts
Concerts
Live Scottish music is also a mainstay at the Highland Games. Jam to music at the Scottish Cultural Village Tent in the early afternoons on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and don't miss the Celtic Jam concerts on Friday and Saturday nights. Albannach and Seven Nations are just a couple of popular bands that'll be performing.
Go Beyond the Guidebook
One big advantage to being up in the North Carolina mountains in July? Cooler temperatures. Take advantage of the slight respite from the heat by making time during your visit to explore nearby Linville Gorge, Blowing Rock and Boone.
Looking to explore without leaving the Games' grounds? Make your way to the tent dedicated to helping visitors trace their Scottish roots and learn more about their heritage. And for the full schedule of events, check the event's website.
