Every spring, thousands of people gather in Highlander Park in Dunedin to celebrate Scottish culture and heritage with traditional heavyweight athletics, music, dancing, food, and drinks. Dunedin Highland Games & Festival is one of the main ethnic events in the Tampa Bay area, held by the Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation, The annual one-day festival features bagpipers, drummers, athletics and strength competitions, and dancing. Highland Parks also hosts a marketplace with delicious Scottish food, authentic goods from Scotland, Celtic merchandise, cultural booths, beer, and wine.
Program highlights
The Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival means non-stop entertainment and multiple musical acts all day long. In 2024, the lineup includes The Byrne Brothers, playing at the 98ROCK Tampa Bay Beer Tent, and Lucid Druid at the OUTFRONT Media Clan Village.
The Dunedin Highland Games Competitions usually feature nine events. Overall, about 250 runners, over 5oo musicians, more than 100 Highland dancers, and about 100 athletes participate in the games every year. The opening ceremony of the Highland Games takes place on the Main Field at noon. Guests can enjoy the Parade of Clans and a performance by hundreds of pipers and drummers.
Athletes compete in categories like caber toss, sheaf toss, hammer throw stone throw, and weight over bar. Piping & Drumming competition is one of the main attractions of the Dunedin Highland Games. The EUSPBA-sanctioned event draws piping and drumming grades V-I and professional.
Florida Open Highland Dance Championship is another highlight of the festival. The competition in the premier and pre-premier categories feature traditional Scottish Highland dances, assessed by a judge. Dancers earn medals or trophies. as well as stamps, whichallow to move up on new levels. The festival also offers workshops for dancers, bagpipes and drums players.
Festival's history
Dunedin Highland Games & Festival dates back to 1967. The festival proceeds support the City of Dunedin Pipe Band, The Dunedin High School Scottish Highlander Band, and the Dunedin Highland Middle School Band. The event's main goal is to preserve the Scottish heritage in Florida and promote Scottish performing and visual arts.
Tickets and hours
Dunedin Highland Games & Festival runs from 8 am to 6 pm. Admission is $25 at the gate ($20 if purchased online in advance). Kids 12 and under enjoy free admission with a paying adult. Elite VIP Package is $125. It includes unlimited food in a restricted area, with hot breakfast, lunch, snacks. soft drinks, wine, and beer. Parking is available at Dunedin High School, Garrison Jones Elementary School, North Dunedin Baptist Church, and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
