HIGHLAND GAMES 101
We’re just as excited as you are to see the Highland Games making their way back this year. While you don’t need a Scottish Highland Games, Celtic Festival, Irish Fair, or Renaissance Faire as an excuse to wear your kilt, it doesn’t take a second thought to wear your kilt to any of these events. So throw on your Highland Games attire from Sport Kilt and visit a local event, or make plans for an epic road trip to an in-person festivals.
If you’re competing in the 2021 Highland Games for the first time, not to worry, the athletes and judges are friendly and you’re guaranteed to have a great time. Wondering what to wear? A lot of athletes prefer our Original Sport Kilt with Sewn Down Pleats and a Sport Kilt t-shirt, however, a tank top or event t-shirt will do. Don’t worry about having spiked shoes if it’s your first time, any athletic shoes will do. We recommend our Diamond Cuff kilt hose which will look great and not get too hot. A pair of matching kilt hose flashes won’t get in the way, will look sharp, and will keep your hose in place while you throw for distance and toss the caber. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and be ready to have a good time testing your physical ability alongside your new kilted friends! You may find Highland Athletic clubs in your area that practice on weekends with the same implements used in competition.
If you’re going to watch, know that the Highland Games is an ancient sport and a precursor to Olympic events like shot put, weight, and hammer throwing. In Medieval times, the Scottish Clans would gather to compete against one another in sports involving strength and skill for bragging rights and to prepare for battles.
UPCOMING 2021 HIGHLAND GAMES
The competitions are set. Are you ready? Check out all the upcoming games below.*
*For more about in-person protocols or virtual attendance, please visit the links below for the most up-to-date information.
Black & White Days Highland Games
May 15
Take the scenic drive to Cache Valley and join us in Richmond, Utah for these annual games as part of the Black & White Days Festival. Fun and festivities for the whole family!
*Athletes must register by May 1st to be guaranteed a games t-shirt.*
Pike’s Peak Charity Games
May 29
Pike’s Peak Charity Games will be held on May 29th at 9:00 am at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School. As always, they’ll be raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project. During these times, we will be following all COVID protocols set in place by the Colorado State Health Department and El Paso County Health Department.
Cheyenne Celtic Festival
June 12 – 13
Visit the 2020 Cheyenne Celtic Festival for the annual Strongman Celtic Bison Highlander Strength Competition in Cheyenne, WY.
Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games
June 18 & 19
The largest Scottish Festival in Utah. Come immerse yourself in the Scottish culture during this 3 day festival. These Games are a regular stop for some of the top Professional Highland Games Athletes in the world. Enjoy the National Sheaf Toss Championship and Highland Games on Saturday, and the Strongman Competition Friday evening!
Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival
June 25 & 26
Established in 1977, this long standing event is presented by the members of the Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio. The Ohio Scottish Games highlight the traditional dance, music and athletics of the ancient Highland Games. This event is for all introducing the Scottish Arts and traditions to the community.
Cortez Colorado Celtic Fair
June 26
The Cortez Celtic Fair will host Highland Dance competition, Celtic bands, Clan tents, Celtic Kids Carnival, and petting zoo. The event is free to the public. Beer and wine proceeds are donated to local charities. This year, beer proceeds will be donated to the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center.
Alaska Scottish Highland Games
June 26 & 27
Featuring all things Scottish-Bagpipes, Heavy Athletics, Celtic Dance, Drumming, Kilted Mile, Scotch Tasting, Tea Tent, Salmon Tossing, Highland Coo, Tug-Of-War, Vendors, Historical Demonstrations, Musical Guests, Axe Throwing, Children’s Events and so much there is something for everyone to enjoy!
172nd Annual Highland Games
August 6 & 7
Our Annual Highland Games, since 1849, is presented by St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Scottish heritage through education, musical presentations, and traditional competitions in athletics, piping, and dance.
CNY Scottish Games & Celtic Festival
August 13
Central New York hosts a Highland Games, Pipe Band competition and Celtic ethnic activities at the incredible venue of Long Branch Park on Onondaga Lake in Syracuse. 2021 will be their 79th running of the games, with a day full of Solo Piping, Highland Dancing & Heavy Athletics.
Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering
August 21-22
Join this proud group of volunteers in celebrating the achievements of Celtic heritage in the Bitterroot Valley. Enjoy Highland & Irish Dance, Pipe Bands,
Scotch/Irish Whisky & Mead Tastings, Jousting Knights, Live Music, Kid’s Activities, and so much more!
Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival
September 10-12
The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival has been a highlight of September in Estes Park for 44 years; with Celtic Music, Ethnic Dancing, Bag Pipe Bands, Scottish Highland Athletics, representatives of many Clans.
Iron Thistle Highland Games
September 11-12
This years Iron Thistle Highland Games will have food, athletics, and Highland Dancers in the entertainment tent all weekend! Come enjoy good food, great music and traditional dancing at the 14th annual Iron Thistle Scottish Festival!
The Ouachita Highland Games
September 24-25
The Ouachita Highland Games at Cedar Glades Park will have from 60-70 athletes competing in several different classes, women’s, masters, lightweights, etc. There will be 9 events and Friday, September 24th vendors will be open and a free clinic to test out the various game events.
Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival
October 16-17
The Rio Grande Valley Celtic Association represents the united efforts of New Mexico’s Celtic Community to celebrate and foster traditional Celtic culture. Each year, they host a festival that engages Celtic dance, athletics, games, music, arts, history and oral traditions that promote Celtic Heritage in New Mexico.
Tyler Scottish Festival and Highland Games
October 23
From Clan History to Highland Games…come explore the beautiful South Spring Baptist Church campus and enjoy this celebration of Celtic Heritage! FREE Admission, Parking, & Door Prizes!
Scottish Highland Games Masters World Championships
November 5-7
The Scottish Masters Athletics International (SMAI) is the host for the Masters World Championships (MWC), an annual amateur competition open to all athletes over 40 year of age. Competition events include: stone puts, weight throws, hammer throws, caber toss, and more! Check out this year’s promotional video here. Learn more about the upcoming games and SMAI by clicking the button below.
The Holiday Highlander Charity Competition
December 4
The Holiday Highlander is an athletic charity competition comprised of Highland Games and Strongman events. All competitors must wear a kilt and all proceeds go back to 501c3 charitable organizations. See Less
THE KILT’S A GIVEN. BUT WHAT ELSE TO WEAR?
Complete your Highland Games look with accessories to match your tartan and make the ultimate Celtic statement.
Kilt Hose
Whether you’re competing or milling about the grounds, keep your shins cool and dry with a Scottish version of a sock.
Flashes
Fancy up your kilt hose cuffs with these tartan “flags” or “tassles” that poke out and say “I really put some thought into this whole get-up today” They also have the practical benefit of holding your kilt hose in place.
Sporran
You’re going to have your hands full carrying around food, drink, or heavy stones and stumps. A tasteful (or more ornate) sporran is the perfect pouch to hold your pocket-sized items.
T-Shirts
Send a message and rep Sport Kilt on your upper half with a T-shirt that will turn heads and be the envy of lads and lasses at the festival!
Performance Undershorts
Don’t let a fear of slipping out keep you from jumping high or dancing hard. Wrap your kilt around these undershorts and play without restriction.