Utah's Annual Scottish Festival And Highland Games Deserves A Place On Your Bucket List This Year
By Catherine Armstrong|Published April 30, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
One of our favorite annual festivals is the Utah Scottish Festival and Highland Games. This event brings dozens of clans together, and presents traditional music, dance, food, and athletics to the public. It’s one of the liveliest festivals all year, and this year it’s happening June 7,8, and 9, 2019. Put it on your summer bucket list!
The annual Utah Scottish Festival and Highland Games is right around the corner, and you're not going to want to miss it. The festival was once held at Thanksgiving Point, but it's grown so much that it's now held at the Utah State Fair Park, where there's plenty of room for all the events.
Several long-time favorite Scottish bands will play throughout the festial, including Molly's Revenge (shown here), Wicked Tinkers, and Men of Worth. Other local bands will play, as well.
More than two dozen clans are represented here. See their tartans and banners as they march on the field, then visit the individual clan tents to learn more about the heritage of these Utah families of Scottish descent.
Highland Dance originated in the 11th or 12th century, and is performed by both men and women. Make sure to catch at least a few performances throughout the festival; you'll be amazed at the artistry and athletiscism displayed onstage.
Watch men in kilts lift and throw heavy things in the Highland Games. These games are said to have originated as long ago as the 2nd or 3rd century, and they're absolutely fascinating to watch. These feats require much more than just strength - they're all about timing and skill, as well.
Vendors at the festival will display and sell Scottish items like tartan, scarves, kilts, and more. If your family is of Scottish heritage, you can find your clan's tartan while you're here.
The Scottish Festival wouldn't be complete without food, and you'll find food vendors offering up Scottish fare like haggis, Scotch eggs, meat pies, and more.
The schedule for the Utah Scottish Festival and Highland Games is still in the works, so visit The Utah Highland Games and Scottish Festival’s website for more details, and follow the festival’s Facebook page for the latest updates. Do you plan to attend? If so, tag the friends you want to bring with you.
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