Every Fall, This Small Town In Arkansas Holds The Most Authentic Scottish Festival In America
Melanie Johnson
Author
Can you remember the first time you heard bagpipes being played? The unmistakable sound of bagpipes is both eerie and enchanting at the same time – fitting for an instrument meant to carry sound through the rolling hills of Scotland! This music is deeply rooted in Scottish tradition, and perhaps this isn’t something you hear a lot in the Natural State. But since 1979, the small town of Batesville, Arkansas, has been celebrating the music, as well as the rich Celtic culture by hosting the most authentic Scottish festival in America. So, grab your kilts this fall, and check out Arkansas’ epic Scotsfest, where we celebrate all the wonderful traditions of Scotland!
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The 2024 Arkansas ScotsFest will take place October 18-20. Check out the full schedule, plan your visit, and grab your tickets on the Arkansas ScotsFest website. Be sure to keep an eye on the festival’s official Facebook page for updates, too!
Have you ever been to this Scottish festival in Arkansas? What was your favorite part?
If you’re visiting Batesville just for the festival, you might want to think again! Not only is there a ton to do in this walkable town, but you’ll find plenty of trails, overlooks, and parks to enjoy in the area as well.
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Arkansas ScotsFest
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Whether you're a geology buff hoping to learn more about the state's (literal) foundations, or a history major craving some insights into Arkansas' role in American history, here are some of the best, most highly-rated museums in Arkansas:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
- Mid-America Science Museum, Piney
- Museum of Discovery, Little Rock
- Museum of Native American History, Bentonville
- MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, Little Rock
- Arkansas Air and Military Museum, Fayetteville
- Fort Smith Museum of History, Fort Smith
- Japanese American Internment Museum. McGehee
- Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, Stuttgart
- Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum, Hot Springs
- Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock
- Bradbury Art Museum, Jonesboro
- Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Springdale
- Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, North Little Rock
- Gangster Museum of America, Hot Springs
What are the most unique festivals in Arkansas?
Celebrating food, culture, nature, and more, the most unique festivals in Arkansas are can't-miss experiences:
- Arkansas ScotsFest, Batesville
- Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, Bradley County
- Cave City Watermelon Festival, Cave City
- Goat Festival, Perryville
- Purple Hull Pea Festival, Emerson
- Toad Suck Daze, Conway
Arkansas is no stranger to all things "wacky," and that includes small-town and world-renowned festivals alike! If you know of any other quirky celebrations, let us know.