Highland Games set to return to Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows

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Highland Games set to return to Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games return to MacRae Meadows. This marks the 69th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina. Donated photo

The long and storied tradition that is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 10, continuing through Sunday, July 13.

This marks the 69th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina.

Throughout the weekend of events, guests can take in the awe-inspiring spectacle of traditional Scottish athletic competitions, which includes Scottish heavy athletics, track and field competitions, Highland wrestling and more.

Additionally, guests can enjoy signature Scottish cuisine, cultural enrichments, traditional and contemporary Scottish music, dancing competitions, the Parade of Tartans and the ever-popular sheep dog herding demonstration. The Highland Games offer a unique experience for the whole family that guests will enjoy regardless of their lineage.

Operated and organized by Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Inc., the festivities begin Thursday, July 10, with border collie sheepherding demonstrations and Celtic entertainment.

This year, 109 clans will be represented on the field, as well as 18 educational and cultural societies. This includes Clan MacLaren as “Honored Clan.” Florian MacLaren, their designated Tanist (Heir to the Chiefship), will be serving as the Chieftain of the Games.

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Friday offers a full day of activities with Highland dance competitions, Celtic Grove music performances, a children’s caber toss clinic, amateur heavy athletics and the Celtic Rock Concert that night.

Athletic events are repeated on Sunday for amateurs and athletes 40 and older, in addition to the Parade of Tartans, kilted running events, children’s events and the Clan Tug of War. The weekend’s programming concludes Sunday afternoon with the closing ceremonies.

To learn more about admission to the 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, including parking and shuttle bus information, call 828.733.1333 or visit gmhg.org. For lodging and travel information, contact the N.C. High Country Host Regional Visitor Center at 800.438.7500 or visit highcountryhost.com.

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