Stone Mountain Highland Games is an annual event, gathering thousands of Scots and Celtic culture fans in Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta, Georgia. Held on the third weekend of October, the three-day festival features traditional Scottish sports competitions, pipe bands, fiddlers, piping and drumming competitions, Scottish dance competitions, and Celtic foods and drinks. The beautiful meadow at Stone Mountain Park is dotted with clan tents, music stages, and stall, offering authentic wares from the UK.
Since 1972, the Scottish festival has become a favorite annual tradition for many Atlanta families. So put on your tartan and enjoy southern-style Highland Games!
Competitions
Highland Games is a traditional Scottish sport, dating back to the 11th century, when during the reign of King Malcolm III the competition was held between the clans. The modern competition in Stone Mountain includes such disciplines as the Hammer Throw, the Weight Throw, the Weight Toss, the Stone of Strength, the Caber Toss. and the Sheaf Toss. Athletes fall into Professional Masters, Professional, Amateur A, and Amateur B Divisions. Winning a trophy at Stone Mountain Highland Games is a great accomplishment for athletes, which proves their dedication to Celtic heritage.
The two-day Highland Dance Competition is an essential part of the Stone Mountain Highland Games. The special dance stage hosts dozens of dancers from all over North America. In addition, Pipe Bands, Solo Piping, and Drumming competitions take place on Saturday afternoons. The event, which is part of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association season, features about 30 pipe bands from all over the US.
Entertainment
Stone Mountain Highland Games host three stages of entertainment, nestled in the beautiful mountaneous setting. The lineup includes contemporary bands, focusing on Celtic themes and instruments, as well as traditional acoustic music, and fusion genres, blending contemporary and folk themes. Atlanta Pipe Band is the host band of the Stone Mountain Highland Games.
Kids' activities
Highland Games offers fun for all ages at the Wee Laddies and Lassies area, full of educational activities, crafts, entertainment, face painting, games, and sports. Junior athlets can try kid-sized Caber Toss, Weight Throw, Hammer Throw, Stone of Strength, and Sheaf Toss. In addition, children can learn archery at Haggis Hurl, Brave Archery Shooting Range, experience the Sheep Toss, the Scotch Egg Drop, and even participate in the Scottish Salmon Fishing Challenge and the St. Andrew's Golf Challenge.
The little ones will also be entertained with craft workshops, which include making sporrans, swords, and shields, creating Loch Ness Monster sock puppets, sand art, and beading necklaces and bracelets.
Tickets
Stone Mountain Highland Games run from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 10 am to 8 pm on Friday. Admission at the gate is $25. for an adult. Children, 12 and under, get in for free with accompanying adults. Whisky Seminar & Tasting is $40. Saturday Night Ceilidh program is $15.
