Grandfather Mountain Hosts the 58th Annual Highlands Games

July 11-14    The 58th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering O' Scottish Clans   Join 1000s of Scots in 85 clans decked out in their finest plaid for the annual celebration of Scottish heritage. Live Celtic music, tradition heritage events and Highlands games.  New this year is a Saturday night Celtic Rock Concert.

The Gathering begins on Thursday with a picnic, sheep herding and Celtic music. At 7:30 PM The Bear: Assault on Grandfather, a five-mile footrace climbs 1,568 feet in elevation from the town of Linville to the summit of Grandfather Mountain. Over 800 runners will start up the Old Yonahlossee Road from Linville at 7 PM, circle the Highland Games track around 7:15, and head up the Grandfather Mountain summit road. The evening concludes with a torchlight ceremony.

Friday begins with a mountain bike race and continues with a Preliminary athletic competition, sheep herding, music/dancing exhibitions. Celtic Groves will be open and other activities will highlight the day. The official opening ceremony will be held.

Events throughout the weekend range from the Scottish Fiddling Workshop & Jam Session to Highland Wrestling to the Highland Dancing Atlantic International Championship, piping, drumming, Scottish athletic events, track & field events, Scottish country dancing, Scottish fiddling, and Scottish harp. Get a complete calendar of events online.

Find lodging near Grandfather Mountain on the Linville NC Visitor Guide, the Blowing RockNC Visitor Guide or the Banner Elk NC Visitor Guide.