The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is one of the most celebrated Scottish cultural festivals in the United States, held annually in MacRae Meadows at the base of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.

 

Taking place over four days each July, the event is a vibrant tribute to Scottish heritage, featuring a rich blend of bagpipes, tartan-clad clans, traditional athletics, Highland dancing, Celtic music, and authentic cuisine.
 

Visitors can witness thrilling competitions such as the caber toss, hammer throw, and sheep herding, alongside cultural showcases like the torchlight opening ceremony, clan gatherings, and vendor tents offering kilts, crafts, and Scottish fare. The setting—nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains—adds a dramatic and scenic backdrop that evokes the spirit of the Scottish Highlands.

 

The Games are not only a celebration of ancestry but also a family-friendly experience filled with music, storytelling, and community. Whether you're of Scottish descent or simply drawn to the culture, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games offers a unique and unforgettable immersion into Celtic tradition.